Super Eagles youngster Kenneth Omeruo reviews the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations with NURUDEEN OBALOLA and reveals how the Super Eagles defied the odds to claim their third African title. The Chelsea player (on loan at Dutch club ADO Den Haag) also recounts the roles of Stephen Keshi and Joseph Yobo in the Eagles triumph and lists his toughest game and opponent...
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How does it feel being an African champion?
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It feels really great. After the final whistle I was so happy, I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe we had won the Africa Cup of Nations.
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You couldn't believe it; does that mean you guys came into the championship not expecting to go all the way?
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Actually, we came prepared for the tournament. Of course Cote d'Ivoire were the favourites but they didn't make it so it doesn't matter the level of preparation or expectation. It's still unbelievable that we won it.
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A lot of people doubted the team before you went on to surprise them. Do you have any message for these doubters?
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Well, I'm happy that towards the end everybody gave us support. You saw the stadium was packed in the final with Nigerians. And in Nigeria there was a big celebration. So I'm happy they came back to support the team. We really needed that and of course the encouragement from the coach was what kept us going.
But when you go to the internet and you see some negative stuff, you feel bad. However, the coach always believed in us and he always said he believed in the team. I'm happy we didn't disappoint him.
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There was a great deal of negativity before you played Cote d'Ivoire, which turned out to be your (the team's) best game in the tournament. Did the negativity spur the team on?
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Yes, I think so. Because before the game against Cote d'Ivoire we were totally written off. So we knew if we won that game against the favourites we might go far. We had to stay strong and remain focused and it worked out for us.
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After the Cote d'Ivoire match, Nigeria became the favourites to win the cup. Did that change anything?
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Yes. It just meant we had to remain focused and not lose concentration. We couldn't beat a team like Cote d'Ivoire and then lose the next game just like that. So it was a major motivation that we beat Cote d'Ivoire and we were able to make Nigerians proud.
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You and Godfrey Oboabona didn't start the competition as the central defensive partnership but you finished it as perhaps the best pair in the tournament. How did it become so easy for you to play so well together?
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Actually it's not the first time I've played with Godfrey. We played together at Sunshine Stars, so I've known him for a while. It wasn't difficult at all when it was time to play with him as we already knew each other. We talk to each other a lot; we encourage each other all the time. We knew that together we could do it.
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You and Godfrey sound like two very good friends. Do you stay in the same room when in camp?
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No, we don't stay in the same room. But we've been friends from Sunshine Stars so it's a very good thing. We're like brothers. He's a very good player, very intelligent.
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You and Godfrey don't seem to fear anybody. You kept out Didier Drogba, Aristide Bance and other stars...
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No, we don't fear anybody. There is no fear in football. If you're afraid then you're finished. You have to appear strong and be focused. That's very important. The age doesn't matter; you just have to be focused, especially if you're playing as a centre- back.
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...And you two kept Drogba so quiet, even when at times one feared he could win a penalty with his dramatic dives...
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Before the Cote d'Ivoire game Mikel spoke to us and told us Drogba's weaknesses. We were able to use those weaknesses against him and it really worked for us.
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That brings us to Chelsea. When do you hope to link up with the Chelsea squad?
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I hope soon. I hope in June. But we'll see; nothing is sure yet.
he gives every defender he meets tough time. omeuro shouldn't be surprised