How are you enjoying the off season?
I am doing well with my family and friends; basically I relax and I am looking forward to the new season. I feel relaxed.
How would you describe last season in the Portuguese topflight?
Personally, the season wasn’t okay for me because it was not what I expected as a player but then I am a professional football player and should be prepared for such kind of season. It’s left for me to step up my game, work hard and give my best next season. Basically, it was a bad season for me.
What about your club Academica de Coimbra?
I think we did well. We were in a position, we hadn’t found ourselves in the last couple of years but this yearwas a bit different; we were in eighth position. It was a good season for the club and we hope next season will be much better than the last.
Are you expecting offers from other clubs in Europe?
Presently, I am in Nigeria on holidays but I have people working for me. When I get back to Portugal, I will discuss with them to know what they have on ground for me. I have no idea right now of what is happening but when I go back, I will be able to look at my options.
After playing the 2014 World Cup qualifiers for the Super Eagles, you were left out of the squad to Brazil. How do you feel watching the competition on television?
Every footballer wants to play at the World Cup; it’s something every football player is praying for. I am sad because I feel I should be there to help and contribute my quota with the talent God has blessed me with. But I am cheering the Eagles all the way. I will wait for my time. The next World Cup is four years away and hopefully when my time comes, I will use it well.
How did you feel the day coach Stephen Keshi released his 30-man provisional list for the World Cup and your name was not there?
I felt bad; I believe I was supposed to be there to fight for my place but I can’t question the coach. All I can do is thank them for the opportunity given to me to play for my country and wait for my time. I am ready whenever they want me. I felt disappointed. I was not disappointed with the coaches and the football federation, but with myself because probably I didn’t do enough to merit a place. There are other World Cups coming up, the Africa Cup of Nations is next year January, I will be working hard to be part of the squad for the AFCON.
Do you think your exclusion from the team was justified?
To be honest with you, I have no idea. I can’t say the reason why I am not there. I leave everything to God. All I need to do is work hard and be prepared whenever I am called up to the national team, so that I can always give my best.
Do you feel the players Keshi selected for the World Cup are the best Nigeria has to offer?
He is the boss and the coach, he knows what he wants. They are all quality players in the squad and I support him and praying for them.
Most African countries started on a losing note in Brazil. Why do you think African teams continue to struggle at the World Cup?
I think what African teams lack is discipline. We have the quality and talents; we are blessed in Africa but discipline is what we lack during major tournaments. When you watch Europeans play, they play with discipline and concentration but we lack these qualities in African football. But I think in years to come, this will change in the continent and Africa will rule the world.
It’s been a World Cup of surprises with defending champions Spain crashing out after just two games…
Spain’s exit was unbelievable but that is football; such things happen in the game. We are in the modern times where there are no longer small teams. It’s 11 against 11. Chile didn’t respect Spain and that is why they won 2-0. Football has changed. If you are going into a game and you believe you can do it, you play as a team and you are disciplined, you will be difficult to beat. That is what happened to Spain and they are out.
Which team are you tipping to win the World Cup?
I could say the German side but don’t be surprised they could lose their second game. That is football. The Chileans have a good side, the Netherlands and the host nation Brazil are there too. So, you can’t write anybody off. I don’t know who will be champions; I just believe any team which gets to the latter stages of the World Cup have a chance to win it. I wish every team well.
How did you feel when you made your Nigeria debut against Kenya in Calabar last year?
I felt great and happy. I came in as substitute in the last five minutes of the game. I give God the glory for making it possible. It was a dream come true because everybody want to play for their national teams. I felt so blessed being part of the squad. I am grateful to everyone who made it possible.
Your first major competition was the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup…
It was also great playing against big sides like Spain and Uruguay. These were guys I used to watch week-in-week-out but behold, I was playing with them on the same pitch.
Keshi has given several home-based players and youngsters like you the opportunity to represent the country. What sort of coach is he?
The Big Boss is like a father to every one of us. He is a man of his words; he wants the best for every footballer and wants us to be proud of the national jersey. He is a great man, someone you would like to play out your heart for when you are called upon. He has brought unity, something we were missing before, to the national team. His achievements speak for him. Even as a player, he was very disciplined. As a coach, he has also brought discipline to the national team. That was why we were crowned African champions when no one expected us to after 19 years. He came in, brought in a new squad and gave everyone a chance. He believes in everyone and doesn’t look down on anyone. He is the best coach in Africa; one can tell who he is from his achievements. It’s great to work under him because he always wants to win.
Is the present Eagles squad comparable to what we had in 1994 and 1996?
I think if you compare both squads, there is a big difference. We are all young and hungry to play for the country; we want to play our hearts out. That’s the difference. We’ve got a lot of quality in this squad; we’ve played together for over a year now and we will be together for more years and hopefully do better than our past squads.
Have you always wanted to be a footballer?
I have always wanted to be a football player. When I was very young, I played on the streets without boots. I worked hard and never gave up because I always believed I will be who I am today and even better. Education came up and I had to drop out of school to concentrate on my career. So, I knew I was going to be a professional player. It’s a talent God has blessed me with.
Did your parents support your decision to become a footballer?
They were in support but they wanted me to go to school first before forging ahead in my football career and it was what actually happened. I gained admission into a school but I got a chance to sign a contract with a club in Slovenia where I started from.
What was your first experience like in Slovenia?
It was difficult for me because I moved to the country when I was 18 and it was cold and nobody around. The first two years was tough but I got used to the people, who are very friendly, and the next two years I spent was easy. It’s a good country; I love the people and would like to go to the country again.
How have you been able to cope with your star status?
When I started playing in Europe, I was humble. When I started playing for the Eagles, I still didn’t look down on people. I still walk on the streets; people call me and take pictures with me. There is no difference between who I was before and now. It’s still me.
When were the best and worst moments of your young career?
My best was definitely when I got my first call-up to the national team; it was my best moment. Another good time was when I first signed a contract as a professional football player. My worst is being left out of the 2014 World Cup. The other one is the issue I had with some clubs when I was supposed to play in Spain.
You pack ferocious shots in your legs. Do you dedicate time to learning how to shoot?
It’s something I trained for even before I travelled out of the country; it’s an asset I have. I know I have to shoot when I am in the right position. I still train on how to shoot; it’s a great thing when I see myself doing it and I can still do more. It’s something I worked for when I was young.
Who is your football role model?
It’s Mikel Obi. When I was coming up, he was someone I looked up to with his experience. I still stick with him.
Who are the toughest players you have played against?
One of them is Fernando, a Brazilian, who plays for FC Porto. The other is Belgian Axel Witsel, who was formerly with Benfica. They are very good players.
What is your advice for young Nigerians?
They should never give up whether they want to be bankers or football players. They should keep pushing because I started the same way they did and I never gave up. That is why I am where I am today. They must put God first in anything they do and pursue their dreams.
Who is John Ogu?
I am John Ogu, a football player with Academica de Coimbra and the Super Eagles. I am the first of five children; I have three sisters and one brother. I am from Anambra State. I like to make friends and am a cool guy. That’s me.
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