5 Minutes With John Ogu: “Super Eagles Will Win 3-0”

    Super Eagles midfielder, John Ogu has put his weight behind his team mates in Brazil to help them do the job. The gifted midfielder who was dropped by Stephen Keshi for the tournament, granted an interview to Connect Nigeria’s Arinze Ude via social media. Ogu is currently in Nigeria for the summer break and will be supporting his team-mates from home. CN: A few years ago, you were relatively unknown before Stephen Keshi brought you into the Super Eagles’ fold, how did it feel to represent your fatherland? Ogu: It feels great and a dream come true for me. And I am grateful to the boss for giving me the opportunity to show the world my talent. CN: Did you play for Nigeria from your childhood days? Ogu: No I didn’t, I started from an academy called Starlet FC Ijeshatedo before Flying Sports Academy from Festac took me out of the country. CN: Your performance earned you a place in the team for Confederations Cup last year, could you recap your debut tournament for the Super Eagles? Ogu: Yeah, my debut was against Kenya. It felt good to wear the jersey. CN: I mean your performance at Confederations Cup in Brazil last year? Ogu: It felt great, playing against Uruguay and Spain was a dream come true for me, and I am grateful to God for that. CN: What’s been your best game in the Super Eagles’ jersey? Ogu: I will say friendly games against Mexico and South Africa. CN: Why? Ogu: Because I had to show what I am made of. CN: You signed your first professional contract with now defunct Slovenian side, Drava Ptuj, what was it like out there? Ogu: It was a great feeling for me; moved there when I was 18. It was tough for the first two years but I got used to it after I signed my other 2 year-contract. CN: A few years ago, you were embroiled in a transfer saga with Belgian side, FC Eupen. What went wrong? Ogu: It is in the past and something I don’t want to talk about…I am sorry. CN: That’s okay. Why do you think there are very few Nigerian players at top European club sides, no disrespect to their current clubs? Ogu: I feel you move when a club shows interest. We will make moves after the World Cup, I believe. CN: Fair enough. The World Cup is the biggest stage for every footballer. How did you feel when you found out that you weren’t going to play a part in it? Ogu: I felt disappointed but it is not the end of the world. I have to keep on working hard. CN: How far do you think the Eagles will go? Are you satisfied with the preparations for the tournament? Ogu: I believe we will go far. With the boss, we will and yeah, we had a great preparation and test games so I am sure the guys are ready the same way Nigerians are. And I believe they will make us all proud. CN: A match bonus dispute between players and NFF marred the preparations for the Confederations Cup and the same row is threatening to dent Eagles’ performance in Brazil. How do you think this can be prevented or resolved? Ogu: It is just a misunderstanding between players and NFF which was settled amicably. CN: I have been an ardent football follower since I was 7 and I have never heard of such between Latin American/European players and their football associations. Why do you think this is synonymous with African football? Ogu: I have no idea, I think the continents you mentioned do things straight to avoid such. CN: Nigeria lost the likes of Ogbonna, Aogo, Barkley, Sam, Anya, Adebayo and Alaba to other countries. What do you think we can do to prevent this in the future and lure these talents to stick with the green white green? Ogu: That is left for the Nigerian Football Federation to act fast but Nigeria is blessed with a lot of talents. CN: Where do you see yourself in the next two years? Ogu: I pray in a big club but it takes hard work to get there. CN: Who’s your best mate in the Super Eagles fold? Ogu: All, but Ideye, Azubuike, Onazi and Oduamadi are my best mates. CN: Growing up, what was your best Super Eagles moment at the World Cup? Ogu: The 3-2 win against Spain at France ’98. CN: Predict today’s line up and scores. Ogu: Enyeama, Ambrose; Oshaniwa, Omeruo; Obabona, Mikel; Onazi, Musa; Osaze, Emenike. We will win 3-0. CN: Thank you very much for your time and I wish you the very best in your career. Ogu: Thanks a lot!