MICHAEL ODIBE Growing In Confidence

Super Eagles central defender, Michael Odibe says playing consistently for his club has been the secret of building more confidence in his games, but insists he has a future in the Super Eagles team and will not wait to prove what confidence has done in the recent months.

From Italy to Ukraine

Honestly, I am very happy because I was almost burned out with lots of speculation about my career but I think I have to thank God for making the move right one for me. My purpose of coming is to play regularly and prove myself at every game I played. I feel happy that I am doing well with my fellow countrymen in the league and I believe with our export into the league, we can turn things around. I understand that fact that the league is not that attractive with the likes of England and Spain, and that makes it look difficult to see what is happening there but with the recent forms of Nigerian players, you can see the prospect of the league.

Club first team shirt delight

I think I was able to convince the coach in one or two games I played after my debut and I was encouraged by the boardroom staff. Like I always says that consistency can bring out the best of any player but it does not happen in most cases. I just thank God for making things work well for me here. My coach has really given me the confidence that I can succeed in the game with my physique and I have build more confidence in the recent weeks. I always believe that I will play this game to the highest stage of my career and coming to Ukraine has something special to do in my career.

Hard time in Siena

I have so many options before I decided to joined Kiev but I told God to give me a better move and along the line Arsenal Kiev came into the picture and I was encouraged by the people that know much about the league to come here and there is no regret in that. My problem in Siena is with the coach, and he almost rubbish my career because lack of playing consistently has blocked me so many things in the national team. But I give God the glory today.

Growing in confidence

God has really helped me a lot. I don’t have choice than to learn the game and the culture as faster as possible because adapting to new life is not always easy but with the help of my colleagues here, I settled down quickly to learn the game. And apart from that, playing every week has helped me a lot in building my confidence. So I am a better player.

Form Improvement

In self confidence. By wining, you take a weigh off your shoulders, you convince yourself that you are doing things right. Before, it was a bit hard because of lack of consistently playing but now, I have conquered my fears and ready to roll. Playing consistently will served to make people re-evaluate your competent, my competent. It’s not just about the club you are playing for but your contribution to the success of the team is what people counts now and I really thank God for what I have done so far in the league.

Life in Ukraine

Yes, I love the country, though it cold but you just have to adapt to every situation in you find yourself. I learned how to make myself happy even when he going was not good. I’m learning the languages and I am communicating well with my team mates. But I don’t walk around unlike in Italy where I know every junction of the cities.

Ignoring Ukrainian models

I don’t like to shrew more than what I can bite. Of course they are all beautiful babes but you just have to concentrate on what you came you came to their country to do. If not, guy you are on your own. I look at them and admire them but I don’t give them a green light.

Scoring ability

I think my goals are plus for me. May be because I love to help the attackers but my primary assignment is to block and defend, then if need be, I take my advantage to the frontline and convert my chances and I think that was what happen why score some goals for my club but I still have eyes for more but I want to keep my shirt by doing well in every games I played.

Encounter with Joseph Yobo

Apart from playing along him on my first assignment for National team, he’s a leader I always look forward to. He was one of my role model. My encounter with him was against Sierra Leone in Lagos where we played together, before the match, he play a role of leader to me. He told me to be calm that first debut always look challenging but I got some words of confidence from him.

Undying love for Keshi

I love Keshi and Okechukwu during their playing days, especially in 1994 Nations cup and World cup. They gave me lot so inspiration in this game but coming back to play for Keshi in the national team will be a big dream I can’t wait to realize. If you look at these great players, you will know what am actually talking about in terms of ruggedness and physical ability at the defence of the Super Eagles then and I think Keshi as a coach now will be able to reinforce the team’s back four to a solid one.

Super Eagles’ return

Yes, I want to comeback to the national team and fight for shirt, not only because of my dream of playing for Keshi but with my current form, I want to prove a statement in the team. I don’t just want to be a capped and dumped player. I understand the decision of Siasia to left me out during the qualifiers but now, I am more competent than before. Yes, I want to show it.

IDEYE Wants To Lead Eagles' Attack

Super Eagles striker, Brown Ideye says he has what it takes to lead the Super Eagles attack if the new coach, Stephen Keshi can bank on his talent.

On the Nigerian football scene today, the name Brown Ideye is synonymous with goals and youthful soccer prowess in the national team. His name is almost always on the score sheets week-in-week-out, whether in Europe or right here at home in Nigeria then. 

He is well-respected for his speed and tenacity when playing and these were part of what earned him a spot in the first team of top Ukrainian football club Dynamo Kiev where he currently plies his trade.

The talented striker who score twice last two weeks and resume with another goal at the weekend has not been giving much chances in the Super Eagles team despite his consistent goal scoring form in Ukraine but finally opens up on his target in the new look Super Eagles team under Stephen Keshi.

"I love scoring goals, but my target in the Super Eagles team is to lead the attack under Keshi. “I don’t know maybe they are still looking that I am still young compare to the great strikers in the team but I think I have what it takes to deliver if I’m given the chance anytime.”I have a brighter future in this Eagles' team. 

"Nigerians are angry and we need to make them happy. How do we make a nation happy? It is really a big task but we are on course for 2013 ticket."

Speaking on his club goal target, the former Ocean Boys remains confident that he's really working hard to make the headline at the end of the season with his 20 goals target.

EMENIKE: I'll Shock Eagles Critics

Spartak Moscow striker Emmanuel Emenike has remain humble over his consistent goal scoring display for his club which many still query his inability to produce such form for the national team.

Emenike has suffered lengthy of abuse from Nigeria fans following his indifferent showing in the national team and he was booed by Nigerian soccer fans against Zambia in Kaduna but it seems the much respected striker in Russia was able to put his critics behind and remain focus on his club career after scoring another sensational brace in the Russian league against Nsofor’s Locomotive.

Speaking exclusively to 9jasoccerboys blog, the former Karabuskpor of Turkey goal poacher disclose that fans critics can always make him a better player in the national team that he will not be down over such but rather keep his head on focus.

“I don’t know how to express my feeling, but I am happy to return back to my club and starts scoring again. “I have read a lot of things about me in the Nigeria media over my display in the Super Eagles team but I can always get better.

“I will never be affected over such because I know I am still going to be their golden boy soon. “Fans booing are normal thing every players must prepare for but I just need some time to get myself better in the national team. 

Reacting to his two goals, Emenike said: “That had shown that I still have reliable goals in my boots and I have not forgotten on how to make use of it. “So it shows that I am not a flop. “I will shock my critics and we will celebrate together.

Emenike’s total haul of goals in Russia is now eight goals in 10 matches after he smashed an hat-trick against the same team last month.

KIKELOMO AJAYI REVEALS

I CAN STILL PLAY TILL MY 40s IF...

 

If any other male or female player achieved the incredible distinction of winning an unprecedented five continental titles – all in succession – you would probably expect them to be, not unsurprisingly, rather immodest about their feat. But Kikelomo Ajayi, former captain of Nigeria’s “Super Falcons”, is not one for the arrogant approach, despite becoming one of the most successful international player in the history of the African game. In this exclsuive interview speaks on new life in Slovenia...

 

 

Either true or false, you have remain Nigeria female football legend, how did you find life in Slovenia?

It is been a great moment for me right from the day I arrived at the country, I have been receiving every support from my team mates and I really feel at home even though there is no place like home but I am happy to be here.

 

At 34, a lot of people expected you to have hang your boot by now but it seems there is still more to get from you?

I am  not ready yet. My system still intact to play the game and I want to use my experience to bring up a lot of young players in my club. I still have the strength to play the game. I don’t mind playing till 40 years provided am fit. Football is too sweet for me to stay away from. I can’t just seat without playing ball. It has been an addiction and it runs in my blood every seconds. Age does not matter at times, it is what you can be able to do on the field of play. Like you know that I have small stature, that has really been an advantage for me, and I am not ready to quit yet.

 

Is that what motivated you to move to Slovenia?

Of course! Since I am fit and good on the ball and the officials saw what they want him me so I have given a contract to sign. Like I told you that it is not about age at time, it is about your ability. I think you are aware that Malta of Brazil still playing till now and you know her age of course, so it is not age but fitness and composure.

 

You are one of the most committed Super Falcons player with five Nations Cup trophies for Nigeria Female national team. How will you recount your memory in the Nigeria colour?

It has been a great moment for me to come from Akure with a small stature and become a national hero of the female national team according you (laughed). I thank God for every moment I spent with national team. it is not an easy task at the beginning but I am so grateful to God particularly and the people behind the scene because I was motivated by lots of good people. Playing for Falcons with self determination has really helped me to where I am today, even though road was rough but I thank God again. I have a sweet memory by winning five nations cup trophies with the team and been at the Women World cup is another wonderful memory for me.

 

Can you recall how you started your career with that small stature then?

I started playing football like every other footballers, playing on the streets before engaging in club side then in Akure. But I started making wave when I joined the likes of Koko Queens of Akure, Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt. After my impressive games in Akure and Port Harcourt, I was signed by Jegede Babes where I have the opportunity to be called into the Female national team before I joined another club in Uyo but I had Europe breakthrough after leaving Pelican Stars of Uyo, I left Uyo for Niederkirchen of Germany before I came back home to joined Police FC of Lagos. I really thank God the way I moved my career because he has always been there for me even when I was in Bayelsa Queens of Yenogoa.

 

Among the clubs you have played for in Nigeria, which one is your best?

I can point out Jegede Babes because I had a lot of opportunity in the team and I started building my confidence over there. That was where I started making my name in the national team.

 

Which coach has really helped you in your career?

Coach Ismaila Mabo really tried for me, he gave me the confidence I built on today, I was nobody before God sent him to me and he really gave me the courage. I can say he discovered me from the league. He told me to come to Falcons camp in North, even though I doubt my ability among the bigger players in the team then because I was so tiny like anything to compare with. But God has ordained him to help me built my national career.

 

How did you cope been called a police officer knowing fully that Nigerian police are not trust worthy and most of them are corrupts?

I don’t agree with you because corruption is everywhere. Being called a police footballer is an honour for me, I can never denied my status because we all know how corruption started. I cope very well and I enjoy it as well because it is another pride for a lady like me to pass through the club. I am grateful!

 

Did any of your parent supported you to become a footballer of your caliber today?

It was total battle. My parent were never in support of it because I was the first daughter and the second born in the family, so you could imagine how tough it was for me to be where I am now. And my stature again contributed to the refusal, I was beaten and punished anytime my mother or father saw me playing among boys. I was really maltreated before I became what I am today. At a time, my parent stopped giving me food or money to eat because they want to be in school but they never ask me my dream but I know what God had for me so I never wary of their punishment even with starving but I never let it bothered me because I must have enjoyed myself on the field of play.

 

When exactly did they finally dance to your tone?

It was when I started making money and giving them. I mean when I joined some clubs and started going for competitions and I get money, infact I still play among boys for completion and make my money because I attracts a lot of attention because of my stature and performance. I could remember the day my mother started praying for me after she received some money from me after coming back from competition. There was a day she called me small mother, I busted into laughed.

 

But why did you think your parent does not want you to play football at the beginning?

They wanted me to become a banker or to be an educated person before going for any other profession but today I thank God for everything for mixing up. I understand that no parent will allow her daughter to go for football especially playing among men. It was a tough one for me but I thank God for not leaving me in the battle. I could remember the day my mother asked me why I, as a girl, was taking such a serious interest in football to the exclusion of other things. They asked me if I could see any other girl doing what I was doing, playing against other boys confusing me that it was Taboo in Yoruba land but I later discover that she’s discouraging me.

 

What about your brothers, did they supported you while your parent refused?

Yes, they really tried for me a lot and that is why I can never let anyone of them down. At times they helped me to sneak my boots out. In fact they really supported me because they also like the way people will stand and be watching my games then, so they can easily say that is there sister. We even contributed some money to buy ball and get a trophy to our street games but I always took won the trophy.

 

You must have been a fulfilled player today?

I can always be grateful to God for what I have passed through and what I am today. I am fulfill, God has really blessed me, though I may not be so buoyant like that but I am contented with what I am today and I believe more still coming for me by his grace.

 

How did you came about your nickname mamayaro?

It was Kaduna fans that gave me the name when we went to Kaduna for national assignment, and they saw my small stature with my movement like former Super Eagles left back Celestin Babayaro, they said I play like Babayaro and that was how the name started making waves till Europe and I love it.

 

What did you like doing off the pitch?

I love watching movies, I mean Nigerian movies. I love it so much because I have good relationship with some artistes.

 

What kind of Nigerian movie?

Yoruba movies. Especially Saheed and Faithia Balogun movies, they are too much.

 

What relationship did you have with both artistes?

We are like family because they always give me lot of thoughts on how I can combine football with film acting. They are my big sister and brother anytime any day, they motivated me to come to so Slovenia because I always seeks advice from them.

 

How did you think that will be possible if you agree with such advise?

It is possible but let us leave that for now, it is a matter of planning and executing

 

Can you reveal a man in your life to us?

No comment about that for now

 

What did you hope to go into after football retirement?

I may be a film producer of go into football coaching but it depends on where I finally settle at the end.

 

Did you have the appetite to become a coach?

Why not? I can coach any team  but I will have to do my proper training and get my certificate. Coching is one of my consideration but God knows the best.

 

Uche Eucharia was sacked after failing to qualified for 2012 Olympics, did you think you can still fill the hole one day?

I man not saying I want to coach Super Falcons even if I eventually become a professional coach in the future. Eucharia tried a lot for the team but Nigerians don’t always have patience. Why did they sacked her after taking them to World Cup and won the nations cup? She needed to be compensated if we want to be fair and that is why coaching in Nigeria is not always encouraging.

 

Why did you think Coaching in Nigeria is not encouraging?

Because you can never have a second chance to correct your mistakes.

 

What will you change in the national team if you are given the job in the future?

What makes you think I want the job in the first place? There are lots things needed to be changed in the national team, one of them is match bonus motivation, since 1997, Super Eagles have not won a single trophy but they are getting millions of dollars even if they lost at quarter finals. Who among the ex-Eagles’ star that have won two consecutive nations cup? Myself alone won five trophies and I can account what it was been given to us. And we are complaining that Uche cannot win the World Cup. If Super Falcons are motivated like the Super Eagles, by now, we must have won the World Cup. Falcons have the largest trophies in the cabinet of Nigerian federation true or false?  Nigerian FA employ oyinbo for Eucharia and he was paid, so what happen to Eucharia salary? And you still fire her. So unfair and discouraging to coach the national team. We treated our coaches like slave which is not suppose to be.

ODIBE: I Want To Play For Keshi

One capped Super Eagles defender Michael Odibe has cries out to the new Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi for a chance in the Super Eagles defense line after the coach declared some reinforcement in the Eagles defense.

Having made his Super Eagles  debut under Siasia against Sierra Leone in an international friendly match in Lagos, but he was overlooked for the 2012 nations cup qualifiers under former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia but hopeful of a return as the new coach set to bring in more players for a fight.

Odibe, who has been enjoying a top form since his official debut for Arsenal Kiev of Ukrainewith two goals to his name in the scorer's sheet insisted that he will maintain the consistent form till the end of the season.

“I will like to play for Keshi, Odibe declared"

"Yes I am proud that siasia gave me a chance to come to the national team and make my debut but I don't know why I was shut out after that but I believe Keshi can give me a chance with my physique and ability in my club now. I have learnt a lot in this game of football and I have a lot to prove now than before and I can't wait for national team return.

"I understand the fact that he’s building a formidable team for the  2014 World cup but it will be my pleasure to play for Nigeria again. “I have a brighter future in the team and only consistent playing with my senior colleagues will do that for me. I hope the coach invited me and I believe I have what it takes to deliver irrespective of the challenges in the team.

"Keshi has distinguished himself and I think that is what gave him the opportunity to get the job but I think he still need a lot of time to get better and make the country proud.

SUSWAN: We'll Shield Blood In Morocco

Dream Team V defender Terna Suswam says the Dream team players are ready to make it do or die affair in Morroco to ensure the Austin Eguavon team grab the 2012 Olympic ticket.

Suswam was part of the victorious Flying Eagles squads that won the 2011 African Youth Championship in South Africa and automatically helped the Obuh team to the 2011 FIFA World Youth Championship in Colombia.

"We are ready for the battle against our opponents,we know the challenges before us and we are battle ready to make sure the Olympic ticket is realistic," Suswan explained.

"Yes the Moroccans have an advantage over us because they are playing at home. "We all know that it is not going to be an easy game for us and for them as well but I want to believe that we are coming back home with the ticket.

"We must raise our games and not be carried away with our previous performances. 

The Victorial Setubal promising youngster also disclose that the chief coach of the Dream team Austin Eguavon is capable of leading the team to Olympic glory in London 2012.

"Coach Eguavon is a good tactician and I believe with his playing experience and couple with coaching experience, he can lead us to Olympic glory in 2012," he concluded.

IKE THANKGOD Can't Wait For Eagles Chance

Warri Wolves central defender Ike Thankgod says he's ready to honor Stephen Keshi's invitation as the new Super Eagles coach promise to give the local players chance in the new look Super Eagles team.

Ike is one of the highly rated player in the Nigerian premier league with experience and confidence, he possess everything needed in the back line of the Eagles defense and a chance for him will be a breakthrough for the former Heartland player.

"I was excited when I read the news about me in Super Eagles," Ike revealed.

"I have always believe that my time will come to play in the national team and that is why I always show my worth in every game I played for my club.

"I don't know what the coach saw in me for now but I think I have all what it takes to sanitize the Eagles defense. I can't just wait to be there and I promise to surely give my best when the call comes.