‘ I am short but I do great things tall goalkeepers cannot do’
John Obuh for giving me the chance to be his number one. I will never regret playing for Nigeria.
You were a member of the 2009 Golden Eaglets that failed to win the World U- 17 championship when Nigeria was the host. The set of 2013 just emerged victorious in the UAE. How happy are you with this achievement?
Honestly in our time we got to the final but did not win. We did not win the trophy but these guys have wiped our tears because up to this moment, there were tears in our eyes. We were supporting them with prayers hoping they would win the trophy to wipe away our tears. After the final match, I was so happy because I felt I was part of the victorious team. It was a great achievement. We join them in celebrating the victory which to me is for Nigeria and the whole of Africa.
Having been there before, what advice do you have for the youngsters?
My advice to them is that they have to keep their head low. They should not be carried away by this success. There are some who will fall victim of bad advice and friends. They should be thinking of how to graduate to the Flying Eagles. I know what we experienced during our time. It was not easy. So many of us were dropped because they lost form because of the success we had. They indulged in one or two things that were not good enough. Anytime you achieve something, you have to go back on your knees to give God the glory and pray for God’s guidance. This is the time for trials. With the little money given to them, some would start living new life like clubbing, drinking and hanging out. They will have more friends who would come to help them kill their dreams. The Eaglets must remain cool because they have a lot to offer to this country.
Having played for U17 and U- 20, what is the next target for you as far as keeping goal for the country is concerned?
I am still looking forward to see if I would be invited to the U- 23 which is my next target. I just pray the coach that will be there would find me worthy to be invited to the team. I should be given the chance to show what I still have to offer. Today many people are trying to condemn my height. I tell them it is not all about height. I want such critics to know that there are goalkeepers with the so called good height who cannot jump more than me. Most of them don’t use the advantage they have with their height. I know what I am capable of doing. I do not have height but anytime I am given a chance, I do great things tall goalkeepers cannot do. I just pray the coach would give me the chance to come and prove that I still have something to offer my country.