'Ecstatic EMENIKE' sees gold in South Africa

Spartak Moscow striker Emmanuel Emenike has said the Super Eagles will step up their act so as to win the 2013 AFCON in South Africa

Nigeria have won the Nations Cup twice with their last triumph being 18 years ago in Tunisia.

Emenike said he is delighted to have contributed to the Eagles Nations Cup qualification against Liberia and the team will strive hard to step up their game so as to lift the AFCON trophy next year.

"I am happy to be part of the victory over Liberia. I am happy because we all showed the fighting spirit Nigerians expected of us,” said Emenike, who is set for his first Nations Cup finals.

“But this was not our best, that is just the tip of the ice berg. We will be at our best for the Nations Cup. We know what Nigerians expect from us in South Africa and that means we must play better as a team because we are gunning for the title.

“We will strive hard in South Africa to live up to the expectations of Nigerians. I believe with adequate preparation, we will redeem the image of the giant of Africa and win the tournament.”

The big striker has been prolific for his clubs in Europe, but he has struggled to be among the goals for Nigeria.

He also disclosed that he hopes to redress that statistic in South Africa, where he once featured for FC Cape Town.

"I always want to score for my country, but I am not under pressure to do so. It’s just a matter of being there at the right time to score the goals and maybe I have not been there yet, but I continue to work harder,” said the 25-year-old Emenike, who has scored once in about a dozen appearances for his country.

Meanwhile, Anzhi host Spartak Moscow on Saturday in the Russian league clash, and Emenike who has bagged four league goals will be looking forward to add to his tally before taking on Benfica in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.

'Improved' ODIBE ready to fight on

Michael Odibe has disclosed his readiness to keep fighting for his regular shirt under Juande Ramos as Dnipro visit Zorya in their Ukrainian league clash on Saturday.

Odibe enjoys 90 minutes game at their last home victory against Dynamo Kiev whìch paraded four Nigerians as Dnipro Dniprotevsky stay closer to Shaktar Donesk who remain at the top.

"Football is about giving your best at all the time to guarrantee the next game," said Odibe.

"But at times, you may still be at your best and the coach decided to make rotations but whenever I get my chance, I used it better to convince the coach for the next game."

"I know my games has improved a lot since I moved to Ukraine and it is a privilledge playing under a great and well respected coach like Juande Ramos. He has shown me love, he has made me to understand why he needed me and I am happy playing for him.

"We all keep learning everyday, I have learn under some coaches in the past and I think Ramos is different, he has a lot to give and I have a lot to learn under him as well."

"Everybody is important under him but he's difficult to predict, he has left me on te bench in our last Europa game but he keeps telling us we are all equal but he's trying to avoid fatigue in the team."

"Well, like I keep saying that I can always get better, the fighting spirit still there for me to keep fighting on for my place and win trophies for the club."

BABATUNDE MICHAEL vows to upset Arsenal

Kryvbas whizkid Babatunde Michael is looking forward to victory against Arsenal Kiev, former team of Nigeria international Michael Odibe on Sunday.

Michael, fondly called 'African Messi' has remain one of the best entertaining youngsters in Ukraine this season and has been able to prove more of his potentiality but to beat Arsenal Kiev in their league clash on Sunday is what is on his mind.
 

The Dream Team V star, who possess the quality to become one of the best winger in the future said playing in Ukraine is as a result of starting from tough lane and get better and take another positive step to bigger stage.
 

"Very soon, I want to be regarded as one of the finest player in my generation, I came to Ukraine to prove myself and I believe with God, I will make my mark here. Playing in Ukraine has exposed me to lots of things, the league is tough and I am very pleased starting from here, I believe making wave here will spur me to bigger clubs in europe but I am very happy to tell u that Kryvbas' life sweet," said Michael.

"Kryvbas is a lovely club and i am looking towards victory in our match against Arsenal Kiev and i hope be part of the wining team." I am personally looking towards a victorious game and give all I can to ensure victory."

"They're a proud club and will be out to prove a point this week but hopefully if we can play our own game we can do well.

JOHN CHIBUIKE keen on league title

John Chibuike says he has remain confident to help his club beat Molde for the Norwegian league title as Rosenborg move to second place on the table with two points difference between the two clubs.

Chibuike who has been given the green light by the Super Eagles Stephen Keshi, believes that Rosenborg team are good for the title and ready to declare war against their leader to claim the league.

"I respect Molde a lot, they have shown technicality this season but we won't fold our hands for the title," said Chibuike.

"On papers, they are consider as the favourite base on their current form, but we are also a better side good for the title. Our last game has gave us more confident on beating Molde for the title."

"I was not part of the Rosenborg team that won it two seasons ago and I want to win it with them now. I am back to my best, I am ready to give it all both in terms of assist and goal scoring."

"Of course, we are still on course in Europa Cup, we lost to Bayern Leverkusen, a painful one but I enjoyed myself and it gives me another exposure for the next game."
ed I am to hit the top gong.