Jay-Jay Okocha’s name is amongst Nigeria’s football dynasty. The Super Eagles legend is now in South Africa and will be cheering his team when they embark on their crucial journey to reclaim the continental glory against Burkina Faso in the final of the 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations at the National Stadium on Sunday.
He spoke to CAFOnline about Nigeria’s prospects against the Burkinabe.
CAFOnline: Jay-Jay, it’s good to see you here in Johannesburg. Nigeria have waited 13 years to reach the AFCON finals, what are your expectations?
Okocha: I’m really proud to be a Nigerian right now, this is where every team wants to be and we are in the final. So far the team has done well. We have been taking a lot of stick in the last few years and a lot has been said. This team has done very well.
Nobody expected this team to do this well, we are looking forward to the final but we know it is not done yet. Having got to this stage now, we have to give everything to win it.
Q: You playing Burkina Faso in the finals, what is your assessment of their team?
A: I think they are a good team, it is not a fluke that they are in the final. We played them before in the group stages and we drew. After that game, both sides have improved a lot. It is not going to be easy, the good thing for them is that they have nothing to lose; they are the underdogs. But I think if we do our business on the day we shouldn’t have many problems. I don’t expect a humiliating scoreline – but I think we will do well.
Q: You know Stephen Keshi very well, what do you think he has done that has obviously worked for this team?
A: Discipline and belief –those are two things that stand out. That is what Keshi has brought to this team. He has injected his own mentality – from his days as a player. He is winner, he always want to win, he is a perfectionist. He is a person who pays attention to details and he makes sure everyone knows what he wants. He has done a very good job in a very short period.
Q: Do you think it is fair for people to start comparing this team with the ‘class of 1994’?
A: It is unfair – but the current players have got themselves in that situation. They have achieved beyond everyone’s expectations. It is up to them now to take the challenge and do well in the final.
Q: Do you think this tournament is a turn-around for Nigerian football considering the fact that the team has not been consistent in the past few years?
A: Coming to South Africa, we had a point to prove and we are delighted with the fact that we have proved our critics wrong. The transition is unbelievable, I’m so happy for the team and I’m happy for the guys.
Q: Lastly, which player has impressed you so far in the Super Eagles team?
A: (laughs) I will be very diplomatic on this team. All the guys have been impressive. The team spirit in this camp is amazing.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
0 comments:
Post a Comment