EMMANUEL EMENIKE: I’m a real ‘goal fighter’

Spartak Moscow striker Emmanuel Emenike has described himself as a real goal fighter whenever he wore his jersey to lead the attacking role and do everything possible to make the fans smile but he remain as calm as water off the pitch.

The former Karabukspor of Turkey king of goal scored a sensational 13 goals to help the club for a ticket to next season’s UEFA Champions League. But despite his quick exploits in the Russian League, Emenike yet to be boastful of his personal achievement but rather focused on how to improve his goal scoring ability that will make him known as one of the best strikers in the rank of Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba and David Villa on the most prestigious campaign next season.

Few would deny that Emmanuel Emenike remains one of the most elegant and gifted creative striker of his generation. Cerebral, unerringly accurate from open play and set pieces, and a fine striker of the ball, currently enjoying a well-deserved post-season break, as he recharges his batteries for next season campaign. The talented striker graciously made time for an in-depth and exclusive interview with 9jasoccerboysblog.

“I’m a different person whenever I am on the pitch, infact whenever I wore my club jersey, I have become a goal fighter, said Emenike.

‘I don’t like defending my attitude but what I can tell you is that I’m a cool headed guy off the pitch and that is why you see everybody behind me here now, I love hanging around with my family and my friends off the pitch so that they can tell me the wrong path of my attitude. Some people who doesn’t know me have wrote a lot of things but I never care because my career is very important to me. And I understand the fact that you can satisfy everybody in this life and that is my slogan.

“I thank God for everything because scoring 13 goals in my first season in Russian league could not be seen as easy task, I fought hard to make myself happy and to score the goals.

“The leagues requires lots of stamina and little ruggedness otherwise you will be flop but maybe because of where I was coming from made it easy for me.

“You must be very ruthless with the Russians so that you can make you name in the country, they like to frustrate foreigners but once you show them your stuff, then you will be respected. Living in the country was a sweet one because it’s a lively place to be especially Moscow.

Emenike entertained 9jasoccerboysblog with his goals highlights DVDs in what a colleague described as stadium TV placed on the wall.

“As a striker, you must know how to score some difficult goals, I was commended with some goals I scored against Nsofor’s club and that is why most fans called me open goal scorer.

“I do watch my goals video before I go for the next match, that will enable me to see my errors and I can make corrections. And that is Europe for you.

(cuts in….) Emenike’s family was all over the gigantic sitting room while his close brother (football agent) Ebuke Felix Emenike inserted another DVD of Emenike against Dynamo Moscow to show us the scene behind his racism allegation in Russia.

“The fans were looking for ways to frustrate us because beating them could throw them out of UEFA competition and that was why they started such behavior. They thrown me snow ball several times, I even told one of their players to try talk to them but the guy told me to ignore them and I could not hold back my emotion, then I decided to show them my middle finger (lol).

Excited Emenike further speaks on UEFA Champions League.

“That is the big one, I can’t just wait to be there. I have seen a lot of good African players excel in the Champions league and I hope to follow their steps, maybe that will be my final breakthrough to the highest scene in football.

“People want to see me there, my club want me to be there and they know I can make the club proud, the fans can’t just wait to see me scoring goals but I pray to God to give me the wisdom to excel when I am there.

The 25-year-old has also debunked the reports linking him to Liverpool, Totteham and Chelsea.

“The decision of moving is with my club, and as I am talking to you now, no any official talk from my club. Maybe when I return but for now I am still a player of Spartak Moscow for good.

“Apart from that, I want to win trophies with Spartak, so I think I am more confident that I will stay. Though I have a dream to play in England and maybe another season coming but for now I want to stay in Russia.

“I will be a perfect player for English teams, there is no way a good player will move from Russian league to England and will be flop because you already have the strength and the ruggedness involve to compete, so I will be a star in any team base on my quality.

The former FC Capetown of South Africa looking towards Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona clash in Champions league draw.

“When you play and score a against big clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea then you know you can always do it well with the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona.

(Cuts in… Emenike on phone with former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze in VGC)

The Super Eagles striker refused to comment on the latest exclusion of some foreign based stars in Super Eagles team.

“That I am not part of the team? life goes on. I have no comment on that please.

STANLEY IHUGBA boasts mature game

Sarpsborg 08 midfielder Stanley Ihugba said his improved form will help him attracts big offer next season as Sarpsborg set sight on topflight.

The 23-year-old has remain one of the consistent player in his team this season and every arrangement has made by the club management to extend his deal but the talented midfielder refused to pen a new deal, claiming that he has the mission of taking the club back to the topflight and move to a bigger club.

His move to one German club fell out due to injury in last season campaign, but the Nigerian international has highlighted his improvement and hopes it will improve his chances of moving to a bigger club either in Norway or other country.

"I am more mature in the game now," Ihugba told 9jasoccerboysblog in an exclusive interview.

"I make more efforts for the others on the pitch, I am aware of my improved form likewise everybody in my club and I wish to continue like this so that my dream of taking Sarpsborg back to topflight will come true.

“Every failure makes you grow. I know this season will be great one for me, I want to really help my club because of their commitment but I can’t guarantee them of another deal for now.

"Obviously my team is doing well and we can move ahead in the subsequent matches.

OBIEFULE rules out China move

Nigerian striker Obinna Obiefule is not interested in a move to Chinese league, and wants to remain patient to choose the best offer on his table as some clubs in Israel and Turkey already in talk with his agent.

Obiefule, who set a new all-time goal-scoring record in the Maltese championship last season when netting 34 goals during spells at Marsaxlokk and Mosta, has been reported to have an invitation from China League One outfit for a trial with a view to offering him a contract.

But the 24 years old striker has denied the report linking him to second division in China for a trial.

According to the TimesofMalta.com reported that Guangdong, who play in the second tier of the Chinese national league, have already acquired the necessary travelling documents for Obiefule, 24, to make the long trip to Asia and start his trial.

“It’s just a rumour to sell create traffic for their website, I have no interest in Chinese league now, I understand the fact that there is money there right now but I still have a lot to give in this game than rushing my career to China, “ said Obiefule.

“My mates are thinking on how to play in England, Spain, France and Germany, and did you think I will be so daft to go for a trial in second division club in China of all leagues?

“Presently, I have good clubs on the queue but I think I will only reveals Macabi of Israel because that’s already everywhere but for now, my future lies on the hand of God. I’m patiently ready to choose the best offer.

My legs will speak for me -ODIBE

Excellent work ethic, combined with stamina and a never give up attitude has resulted in Super Eagles defender Michael Odibe becoming a fan favorite in Kiev. With four goals and four assists last season Odibe had become a hot property for Arsenal Kiev afterdefense in their Europa cup ticket winning drive last season.
 

How has it been in Ukraine this past season? As you can see and be very much aware that it was fantastic season for me and the club. We did very well because of our focus and we try to justify our position on the table.

Personally, what do you think was the secret of the team qualification to Europa after the hectic season in the country? I’m not trying to blow my trumpet but I wish to tell you that my stability in the team was the greatest factor. Before I joined the club, I knew how the team was and where they are but since I started playing consistently, things moved better than expected and everybody in the club praise me for that. I am not trying to praise myself but I think I made a lot of impact at the defense line apart from my goals.

With this development, how would you describe your time at Arsenal Kiev? They gave me the opportunity to get more exposure and to add to my experience. But the most important was playing week in, week out. At Arsenal, I was able to play more than I ever did in the past. I’m grateful to God that I’m found useful in the club. Now, I am as strong as ever. I’m also happy that I did achieve my aim of qualifying for Europe.

It seems the coach have some confidence in you? My brother there is nothing however game me more joy than the trust the team’s technical crew and my team mates had in me including the club President and that gingered my game a lot because I always play with confidence.

Then you must be full of confidence after such an impressive game in Ukraine… It’s God not me. But I think I have grown more confidently in the game than before. The league and my game have really helped me a lot. I have no excuse than to prove myself because I was given a chance and it is my duty to justify it and that is why I was everywhere on the pitch.

How will you share your experience in the league compare to where you are coming from then? It was fantastic experience; I mean the best one you can always remember in your memory. I had it tough before moving to Ukraine due to first team shirt but when the opportunity came, I made use of it that I am a better player. I personally known my ability but I was just looking for a better chance than where I was coming from to show the world what I can do. And I got it because life was full of joy for me in the team and everybody including the president of the club wanted me and they showed me love. 

From third tiers in Italy, you went to Ukraine. How do you feel?
I never thought all these will come faster just like that, I expected myself to struggle at my first season in order to learn the game, the culture and the entire life in the country but I think I adapted quickly because of where I was coming from. Italy is a good place to be, I love the country and that was what gave me the easy life in Ukraine because I was able to forget the rough time in my club in Italy and give my best in Ukraine. I thank everybody that made it happen both in Nigeria and there.

There are lots of speculation around you with clubs like Marseille, Werder Bremen and Saint Etienne of France battling for your signature. What is the true picture? They are all true. Werder Bremen came to my club but I was not contacted for any official discussion though they discuss with my club but I am still not briefed about their discussions. I think are still some other offers right now but still not official with the likes of Marseille and others.

But did you see yourself leaving the club you labor so hard for a place in Europe next season? Everything is with God not me. I think the most ideal thing is to be praying for a better and joyous move that will give you all you want in terms of consistent playing and trophies. The ball is not in my court even though I have options but I want to be loyal to the club. Arsenal Kiev are making attempt to keep me but I am not ready to disclose anything concerning that yet because everything is not official yet.

Is your future now at Arsenal Kiev? Although I love the club but I cannot say with certainty that I will move or stay next season because the club may be tempted with bigger offers and that is what football is all about. However, that depends on number of factor. My concern now is to go on vacation, relax before deciding on the next step.

What do you still need to work on beautify your game next season. In football, you learn everyday just because you want to be one of the best in your position, I have seen some of my lapses and trying to work on them before the start of new season. I am still young and promising so I have much to learn in the game. But I want to be more compose at the front line of goals to score more goals next season as well as to cover well at the wing side of the defense.

Looking at your career. Is this the most exciting season you’ve ever involved? Obviously, it is! I did similar things when I was in AC Siena before they changed coach and things started falling apart but I enjoyed everything both on and off the pitch.

Many expected you to have made Stephen Keshi’ foreign pros for the 2013 Nations Cup qualifiers against Namibia. Were you shocked by the coach decision? Honestly speaking, I was surprised but it’s not something you should allow to stay in your mind for another second. Of course I felt bad at some point because I am looking towards taking my form to the national team since it is on merit but I still believe the coach will give me my chance. I felt I was qualified to be in the team. I hope I will get another call-up, and when the opportunity comes, I will give my best for my country.

But it seems Keshi does not look at players from Ukrainian league with the likes of Brown Ideye, Haruna lukman and Yusuf Ayila were not also invited… I disagree with you. How can you say that? It’s just a coincidence that we were not invited at this period not because of the league. It happens at times but I don’t think the coach have any disgust on the league. 

Nigeria have begun the 2013 Nations Cup and 2014 World cup qualifiers. Do you still believe you have something to offer Super Eagles? I’m looking forward to playing again for the Super Eagles. I hope the technical crew led by big boss will look my way this time around because I will always give my best for my country.

EMENIKE dreams Barca, Chelsea in UCL draw

Spartak Moscow talisman Emmanuel Emenike declared that Spartak Moscow are ambitious going into next season UEFA Champions  League having occupied the second spot in the just concluded Russian league.

The Super Eagles bullish striker hopes to lead his red and white club  to a more successful tournament after helping the team to win their major trophy in the mid-season Copa Delroy Cup in Norway, and the former Karabukspor king of goals has talked up his side's chances in next season Champions league.

“I’m happy that God made it possible for us to finish second, which was our target having lost the title chance to Zenith Petersburg and finishing second was a fantastic efforts which I think we are ready to take out some surprise in the Champions league next season.

“Yes, it is an opportunity for me to compete with the world best strikers. I don’t need to praise myself for my contribution in the club success but I think they appreciated my effort and I have been commended for that and that is by the way. My focus now is to have good vacation and return back to my club and prepare well for next season.

“I had good season, even though I experienced some difficulties which I think is one of those things in life generally, so I have put those ones behind me and my concentrations now is to help my club win the league. Yes, we can also win the Champions League after our play-off, it is possible. Who ever thought Chelsea will go all the way to final? And they won it. It’s all about determination and motivation.

“I will never rule out myself in lifting the Champions league but playing there is exciting, I can’t just wait to prove myself.

"We are ready to show great things next season. We are ambitious. There is quality in the team and more are still coming. 

"There are many requirements for Spartak and next year we will show something better than last season. It feels good that the campaign is over. I will not deny that it was a great season for me. I won a trophy, I score goals and my goals are crucial to the team, so I have reason to thank God and the fans.

“Next season is going to be tough in Russian league because we are already dreaming of the league. We played and scored lots of goals last season and I believe we can repeat the same performance that will supersede others.

“In Champions, I will like to play against the likes of Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid. I think those are the most difficult clubs for now, so beating them will make us stronger for the subsequent matches but we must win our play-off first.

KAYODE: From Grass to Grace!

From Nigeria Football Academy, Ibadan to Red Bull Soccer Academy, Ghana and then on to Cote d’Ivoire giants ASEC Mimosas before a loan move to FC Luzern of Switzerland, Olanrewaju Kayode is gradually becoming the journey man of Nigerian football.

His young career has seen its ups and downs. After interests from the Ghana FA to represent them, former Black Stars defender Tony Baffoe recommended Kayode to the Nigeria Football Federation.  But he was disappointed as he was often played as a late substitute by coach John Obuh at the 2009 U-17 World Cup on home soil.

However at the 2011 African Youth Championship, he scored a goal and won a penalty for another goal as the Flying Eagles beat Cameroon 3-2 to emerge African champions for the sixth time.

At the 2011 U-20 World Cup in Colombia, the player once on the radar of Spanish giants Real Madrid, posted a fine performance scoring three goals as Nigeria painfully exited the tourney in the quarter-final.

Now the player, who admires Portuguese superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, says he’s not done yet with travelling as he aims to realise his dream of playing in the big leagues of Europe.

In the beginning

I started football just like any other Nigerian kid but it was easy for me to become a footballer because of my parents support. And I was motivated by my father who bought me kits to get along with my mates, so I had no problem telling them that I wanted to take football as a career even though my parents also wanted me to go to school. I still hope to go back to school some day.

I still remember a day I returned home from the field where we used to play local tourneys. I came back to tell my father to buy me boots for another tournament elsewhere. The next day he came back with a pair of boots for me. But some other young players weren’t as lucky; they were beaten and caged by their parents just to stop them from choosing football as a career.

Golden Eaglets

It was a very horrible experience for me at the U-17 World Cup but I’m happy I have made up in subsequent competitions I have represented my country. I lost concentration, I was not focused. I’m now a better player after the experience. My game is more mature unlike at the U-17 and U-20 levels.

Swiss topflight

I always wanted to play in Europe and to play in a lucrative league but at times you have to make sacrifices before you get to the top. That is why I welcomed the idea of joining FC Luzern. They may not be winning the Swiss league but they have good programmes for young players like me. My dream has been to play in Europe and that is the reason why I gave my best at ASEC Mimosas and they (ASEC) got me the offer.

Of course I told my club that I wanted to play in Europe this year and they agreed with me after playing for the Flying Eagles and scoring some crucial goals at the U-20 World Cup in Colombia.  With my performance in Colombia, ASEC officials told me about Luzern. And I am happy to have finally realised my dream.

Coming to play in Switzerland is a stepping stone in my career. That is why I must give my best to ensure that I have good offers by the time I finish my loan deal, which expires in December. It’s good for me to start my European sojourn in Switzerland because the facilities are very good.

EPL ambition

I have been playing consistently in Switzerland. If things continue like this hopefully I will play in a big league like the English Premier League or the French Ligue 1.

Personal aim

I want to emulate my model Cristiano Ronaldo both on and off the pitch but I would love to play for Arsenal. Ronaldo and Arsenal are big brands, so dreaming of both means I must work harder than before. I believe it is possible if I keep my h ead up.

Super Eagles

I want to play for the senior national team and I know I have to work harder to get a call-up from the coaches. Nigeria is blessed with lots of talents and everybody wants to play for the Eagles but I think hard work and dedication will give me my chance. I will be there in the Eagles but I am not in a hurry.

Lifestyle

Firstly I always remember where I come from. Though I may be tempted with the fame that comes with the game, I always control myself when I remember my roots.

I love to look good and I like wearing good designer labels. I love listening to music and mixing with people from different countries. I love good cars but I am not a car freak anyway. Of course girls come around me probably because of my games. I respond well to them but I don’t womanise. I am too young for that. I have an image to protect.

Regrets

Losing to France at the quarter-final stage of the 2011 U-20 World Cup was really hard to take. Another regretful moment for me was when the national U-23 team failed to qualify for this year’s Olympic Games.

Before the 2011 U-20 World Cup, I challenged myself to give my best at the tournament because if I did, I would have the chance to play for the U-23 side. God answered my prayers but I think we were not just destined to be at the Olympics.

Culled from Punch