John Ogu On AFCON Debut, Young Super Eagles Players, Egypt Threat, Next Career Move

Published: June 10, 2019

As Nigeria's Super Eagles gun for a fourth AFCON conquest midfielder John Ogu, who on Sunday was named to Nigeria's 23 man squad heading to Egypt 2019, in this interview with Izuchukwu Okosi talks about the team's readiness to battle 2019 AFCON favourites Egypt, Senegal and Morocco for the title. Excerpts.

John how are you looking forward to your Africa Cup of Nations debut?

JO : ''It's a collective thing, the whole players are looking to the AFCON. It's a very big task. Personally, I'm looking forward to this challenge.

''Every Nigerian is expecting us to go and win the AFCON for the fourth time and we ( players) are confident.

''However we will take every game as they come. We'll go to Egypt and try as much as possible to make our country proud.''

There are a lot of young players in the team heading to Egypt. How far do you think this team can go at the AFCON?

JO : ''Like I said, we the players just want to take every game as they come. We're blessed with so many talented players who went to the World Cup in Russia last year.

''The coach has made sure that he kept together most of the players in Russia to blend with the younger ones emerging. Every player that had that World Cup experience knows what is at stake.

''We know it's not going to be easy but we believe in ourselves. We're staying calm and will just work on what the manager wants us to do. ''

Do you feel Egypt as host nation is a threat to your chances of winning the AFCON?

JO : ''You know when you're hosting a tournament of this magnitude you have the backing of your people back home but we know Nigerians will be in Egypt.

''We know we can qualify from Group B if we come up with our 'A game'. Since I've been watching the AFCON people always think that only the big teams will get to the latter stages of the tournaments but every side that qualified got there on merit, not by chance or luck. So they all deserve to be respected.

''We will not underrate our opponents but we won't be worried about the qualities of countries like Egypt, Senegal, Morocco though they are strong.''

You've not had serious injuries in your career, what has been the secret?

JO : ''I'm grateful and thankful to God that I've been injury free most times. I do take care of my body, I work hard, though injuries are part of the game. ''

Egypt is a historical country especially known to those who know the holy book...

JO : ''Yes, but we're not going to Egypt to read the Bible but play football. However it will be fun to see some historical places we read about in the Bible.''

Finally any word about your next move since you left your Israeli club?

JO : ''For now, no. However after the AFCON, there could be some offers hopefully.''

Thank you John for your time...

JO : ''You're welcome bro.''

Izuchukwu Okosi