Arsenal Kiev of Ukraine lanky defender, Michael Odibe has refuse to give up on his dream of becoming one of the best central defender like Brazilian star Lucio. But one dream is living right now is modeling. Odibe pasted pictures of his modeling on his facebook page that elicited questions about him and modeling.
This is how he answered. “Journalist always like to know everything. Well, it is modeling pictures and I was contracted to do it with the lady you saw in the pictures. It was a moment of joy for me because I never thought everything will come faster for me in the country and the club. But I give God the glory for making it happen this way. I was commended for the pose and a lot of my friends encourage me to push for the modeling job but it I something I will think about. Modeling is sweet and I will continue doing for life. It has really brought me to limelight because the pictures were everywhere and most friends have called me, some abuse me jokingly while some congratulated me for such opportunity and I have been contacted for other modeling jobs in the country but I am still waiting to hear on the details”.
But according to a source close to the player revealed that the former First Bank of Lagos player could soon make a deal with Gucci or Dolce & Gabbana on modeling opportunities due to his height but Odibe could not conform this piece of information. He speaks more on other issues.
Odibe, it’s quite some time, how are you faring in Ukraine?
It’s been great for me here and I am looking forward to make it big in the league.
What are your thoughts on the ongoing season in the league?
Well, we can always get better in terms of our determination and focus, we are not doing badly at the present and our focus still intact in terms of Europe qualification.
It’s obvious that things have really move up for you since you joined the club last year, is this your best moment ever?
It is absolute not my best because my best is yet to come. I am growing better in the game every day. And my building confidence is far better than what my fans use to see before. I can say coming to play in a team like Arsenal Kiev is a pleasure for me to build on my potentials and I believe I will make it big in this league.
You have even been more consistent than AC Siena. What is the secret?
Everything depend on the coach, I have been able to convince my coach that this is what I can do, and he saw it in me that I can really build on my games that is why I always have the chance. On my way to this club, I was determined to prove myself and become a successful player even with the time I will spend in the current.
Unlike some other Nigerians, it didn’t take you long before you settle down. How did you manage to cope?
Apart from the weather, I think every other things are great for me with the help of the technical crew and some of my team mates and my Nigeria compatriots. I make life comfortable for myself because I know this is where I gonna stay for years so I build on it.
One of your target with Arsenal is to qualify for the Europa cup this season. Is the target still achievable?
By the grace of God, the dream must come to past. We have a better team that can play in Europe next season and I believe we will achieve it.
How did it feel to play against your Super Eagles team mates in the league?
It is somehow strange to me. I see it as playing with friends but when the whistle went, I was only eager to show that we can beat them. I am talking about Ideye, Haruna and Ayila. They are great guys and they really help me to settle down quickly.
Since arriving at Arsenal Kiev you have become a ball-playing defender who initiates a lot of attacks from the back…
My coach asked me to do that and I have really develop a lot of confidence on it, so it good for me. Naturally I was used to defending but when I joined Kiev I have got used to this playing style and it has really helped me.
You are tall, agile and lanky still Stephen Keshi doesn’t seems look your side despite your consistent playing in your club. Have you ever thought of making a Super Eagles return?
I always have it mind that I will return to the Super Eagles team of Nigeria. Yes, I keep having the dream but I never know when it will be. I think I don’t need to rush the coach before he call me because he’s still building the team and I am also aware that Nigeria has a lots of players but that does not mean I should be over look but coming back to Eagles is realistic for me soon.
Before now, have ever thought of making any impact in modeling job?
Yes, but my thought was minimal until I did it now, the tempo has rise higher and I can’t wait to model for top company in the World. I can’t just wait.
The lady was very pretty, how did you manage to control your emotion after the job or is it just casual?
I don’t know what you are saying this man, my job was to pose for picture which I did and everybody separate, so I don’t know what you are trying to insinuate. I am a holy boy except you want to corrupt me now. (laughinnng)
Of course you and I know that modeling job involve a lot of sex scandal and lot of covered issues. Will you be able to cope with press pressure even when you are innocent?
That is exactly what I am doing now. You don’t need to satisfy human being because you can never, so while not satisfy your conscience and be yourself. I know what you are saying but I don’t think I have time for those things. Did you need to listen to all news? Must you reply press guys? I have no for all the answers. I will take some courage from big players that have been in the business before, player like David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and others.
Can you reveal the dollars it cost your club before taking your pictures to public advertisement?
I don’t know!
It is said that you are already in negotiation with top designing company Gucci & Gabbana. How true is that?
I don’t know. (Odibe made attempt to cut off the interview on phone)
There was a picture you took with Samuel Eto’o, where did you meet the best ever African footballer?
We met in Turkey during our pre-season games and we share thoughts as an Africans. Eto’o is good guy, he quickly mingle with me as if we have known each other before and that is when we granted ourselves for a pose.
How did you feel meeting such a great player?
I didn’t just felt great that I met him but for showing me passion of Africa man. It’s great feeling for me. Apart from meeting Eto’o in Turkey, I have met lots of good players like Del Pierro, Laquinta and we have good friends. I have also met my role model Lucio of Inter Milan and Brazil.
What is your favourite wheel?
Wahooooo! I love Range Rover Sport. If it is not Range it can never be. It’s my undying wheel favourite anytime.
How much does it cost you to acquire it?
Bros you will need to ask Google. You like knowing too much!
By now you must have learned the language…
I am just trying. I only know some basic of it which am using to communicate with my team mates at the training ground. You know it’s not like English and Igbo, so I am still learning the language and with time I will get it right.
That means you will not be able to be communicating with those beautiful babes in the country.
You are pushing words into my mouth and I refuse. If you want to know that please come down to Ukraine, I will pay for your flight.
Have you now been considering going into modeling job on full time basis?
I don’t need to be distracted by that for now, my primary job here is to play football and I am going to play it the highest stage by his grace. I may consider that in the future not now.
