Super Eagles midfielder John Ogu has been enjoying his time in the Israeli topflight league. In this interview with ’TANA AIYEJINA, the Hapoel Be’er Sheva player talks about the Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2017 AFCON, his midfield role models, career and more
What do you think about the Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2017 AFCON after the draw against Tanzania and Egypt’s win over Chad?
You can’t underrate any nation because there are no more minnows. We’ve got some games before the end of the qualifiers and I think we have to take every game seriously. The new (Eagles) coach is an ex-footballer, an ex-Eagles captain, a fighter and a warrior. He needs to bring that to the national team. The federation is organising two friendlies for the team next month, which will help. So, our chances are very bright. With four points and a few more games to play, we have a very realistic possibility of emerging tops in our group. I am a very optimistic person and I believe that we can achieve that if we give it our best shot. We have a strong and willing team of players and also a new and very tactical coach. With the right harmony that is soon to be established, the team is ready to make it happen.
There were complaints about problems in the Eagles midfield in Dar es Salaam. Do you think the team missed you against Tanzania?
My fans would have loved for me to participate. I would have loved to be given the opportunity to show my skills and passion on the field. It’s always an honour to play for my country. Nigerians love victory and I share in their vision. But frankly, with so many good players willing and able to aspire for victory, any set of these players can win games. I am a versatile midfielder with great physical stamina and presence. The position I play requires that. I learn everyday on the job. If I was given the opportunity to play, I would have gone above and beyond as most players would. I am a team player. Football is not a hobby or a career; it is a passion for me.
As a midfielder, who were the footballers that inspired you?
Being a midfielder is the most adaptable role. To remain useful and relevant, a good midfielder should be able to switch stances whenever needed: from providing chances and assists for goals, to protecting the defence. Internationally, it is definitely Yaya Toure. His stamina, control and his long list of successes leaves a lot to be envied. His presence usually improves his team’s chances significantly. I study and admire his gameplay, passion and dedication and hope that I get the opportunity to prove myself too. Nationally, Nigeria has produced some amazing midfielders that I aspire to be like. Austin Okocha and Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh were amazing during their era. Their impressive records, agility and ball control made them household names.
What qualities do you think you can bring to the squad?
I’ll want to bring a winning mentality to the team. Since I got to Israel, I’m more mature and I feel like a champion. It was something I was lacking before. So, if I’m invited, I’ll help in bringing the winning mentality back to the team because I and the other players will work hard together to achieve results. It’s a joy to put on the green and white jersey and represent my country.
Did you watch Oliseh, who was regarded as one of Africa’s best holding midfielders, play?
I have been watching his videos since my early days in football. I love to watch and study games of people who play similar roles to me and who have excelled in their careers. We never stop learning and growing as footballers. I probably watched most of his games live to know that he deserves the title. As a new coach, he is on the right track to finding balance and harmony between players and himself. These things take time. It doesn’t happen overnight. Nigerians just need to be positive and patient. They need to give him a chance to prove himself. I am confident he will.
Do you agree that the present generation of Nigerian footballers is incomparable to the likes of Nwankwo Kanu, Oliseh and Okocha?
I don’t want to believe in such comparisons. We are talking about generations and our time is now, so why compare? These are great players who gave their best for the nation and we respect them and draw inspiration from them. So, it will be unfair to compare the present players with these greats. I believe that with the philosophy of the Eagles coach, and how he is going, we will get there.
How is life in Israel?
My move to Israel is a positive one for my football career. The city of Be’erSheva has been very kind. The love and support I receive from my fans there are enormous; and my club Hapoel Be’er Sheba has allowed me to show my passion and dedication for the game. I am playing in one of the best teams in the Israeli League and I am very grateful for that. I look forward to more opportunities to grow.
You also played in Portugal and some other countries before moving to Israel. How would you compare football in these countries?
I think it’s just about the country. Every country has their style of football and rhythm of their league. In Israel, it’s very competitive with teams like Maccabi Haifa, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv. These are big clubs. The fans here (Israel) are crazy about football; you can get about 20,000 fans in games but in Portugal, if Porto, Sporting or Benfica are not playing, you can hardly get such numbers at games. So, every league has its peculiarities.
What are your targets for this season?
I’m hoping to win trophies this term. Last season we almost won trophies but we eventually couldn’t. We lost in the Cup final and we had the chance to beat Macabi to the league but we lost it too. The fans deserve trophies because their passion for the club is amazing. I’m playing the holding midfield role and I hope to continue giving my best to the club.
Which of the top European leagues would you like to play in the future?
I want to play in the English Premier League because it is one of the best in the world; I’m just working hard to get to that level and I believe when the time comes, I’ll get there. I also like La Liga but I must work hard to play in both leagues.
As an African, what are the challenges playing in Europe?
Initially, when I got to Europe, it was extremely difficult without my family and friends but football is a talent I’m blessed with. The culture and mentality in Europe is different but if you know what you want as a player, you have to keep pushing on. For instance, I’ve lived alone for nine years in Europe playing professional football but I try to focus on my game and put in efforts in being the best.
Have there been issues of racism?
No. I haven’t come across it in about five countries I’ve played football in Europe. The people have always been nice to me everywhere I go.
What are you hoping to give back to the game that brought you to global limelight?
I was taught how to play football in Starlet FC, Ijesha, Surulere. Sometimes I try to get back to them, give them jerseys, balls and souvenirs. But I want to have an academy in the future. I have a lot of projects lined out and they are aimed at giving back to the society. But I have to work hard to achieve it and ensure that there are no distractions.
We’ve seen ex-Nigerian footballers go bankrupt. Do you have plans in place to avoid that?
I’m happy that I have a woman by my side that is making sure that I don’t make the mistake these players made. A lot of ex-footballers are out there begging but I don’t want to be like that and I have been careful because of what I’ve seen.
Copyright PUNCH.
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