nterview By Sab Osuji, in CapeTown:
Congrats Ejike for the semi final ticket after the 4-3 win over Morocco
Thank you
You guys were simply wonderful in the second half when everyone thought
the game was well beyond redemption, what really changed the situation?
We give glory to God for giving us the victory. We owe Him and only Him
alone everything. First half was not easy for us, we did not play to our
potential, we gave the ball away too quickly and the Moroccans took
advantage of that to score three goals. But at half time, the Big Boss
spoke to us, corrected the mistakes and told us the way we should play.
We also spoke to ourselves that come, what’s happening, we should fight
and redeem ourselves, our nation and our careers and I’m happy we did
that.
At 3-0, didn’t you think it was all over?
I knew it was going to be difficult because I expected we should score
one before half time but at the same time I believe nothing is
impossible in football. I also know that football is a game of two
halves and that you can win one (half) and lose the other. Morocco
smiled first half but we laughed last when it mattered most.
Ejike, you have continued to excel in this tournament, what’s the secret?
You don’t know my secret Oga Sab, I know that you know my secret but in
case you’ve forgotten or what, GOD is my secret, if you put your total
faith in God and of course work hard, focused, determined and committed,
you will do well.
Could that be reason you have been voted MVP in three consecutive games?
I thank God for His mercies upon me and the team. I just hope and
believe He continues to guide us so we can take the trophy home.
Is that your target in this competition?
Yes, not only me as an individual but the team in general, it’s very important for us.
Why the emphasis on the importance of the CHAN Cup?
First, winning this cup will add value to the quality of the Nigerian
League. It will convince people the more that a whole lot of talents
abound in our league and it will also convince the world that Nigeria is
the strongest African football nation.
You won the AFCON last year here in South Africa, now you are seeking
the CHAN trophy also here in the Nelson Mandela country, are you Oliver
Twist?
(Smiles) Not really but we have what it takes to win everything. Apart
from winning the CHAN, we also want to go to the World Cup and win.
You’ve scored three goals in this tournament, are you also running for the top scorer’s award?
The trophy first as a team, individual honours come last but don’t
forget we need to score goals to win matches. If I score goals to help
my country to win nothing is sweeter than that.
How do you handle Ghana on Wednesday?
At this point we don’t fear any team; we can only respect them for
reaching this stage because it’s not easy. One fact remains, nobody
should expect an easy match but my belief is that having eliminated
South Africa and Morocco, we can’t hope anything less than the cup.
We understand the desire to make the Super Eagles Brazil 2014 World Cup
team is prime amongst factors inspiring this team’s players...
We want to win this cup and see what happens next. Everybody wants to
play for his country, play at the World Cup but we need to do well here
and now before the next assignment which is still several months away.
Finally, who do you dedicate your MVP award to?
To my Super Eagles teammates and all Nigerians.
Why?
Because of my teammates’ wonderful character and for Nigerians for their prayers and I thank them a lot.
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