Very early into the bruising friendly match between Nigeria and Senegal in London, skipper Ogenyi Onazi was taken out by Mame Diouf in an aerial challenge. He was replaced by John Ogu of Hapoel Beer Sheva. Ogu proceeded to help Nigeria get a hold in the match which was threatening to be in total Senegalese control.
Any nerve before coming on, I asked him? “I was 100% fit. I had played over 40 games for my club and it was not my debut so I was pretty relaxed. I had noticed they wanted to bully us so I was determined not to let that happen.”
He spoke in London days after the friendly that marked a good return to the national team after a few years out. Ogu had played at the 2013 Fifa Confederations Cup but was part of those who missed out on the World Cup the next year. Something he puts down to the bad experience of playing for Academica of Portugal at the time.
“It started with a friendly in South Africa when the coach asked me to feign injury but I refused. We were African champions and I wanted to be part of the squad, playing for my country is too important for me,” Ogu says with a look that says he must have found it ludicrous the idea of not playing for Nigeria.
“When I returned to Portugal everything changed and he stopped playing me. I didn’t take much notice. I continued working on my game but he never played me. It was only after the team list came out for the World Cup that he (the coach tried to be nice to me) but it was too late.”
Ogu looks relaxed now and he seems well and truly over his nightmare in Portugal. “Things happen for a reason I have always believed. Now I am in Israel and playing regularly, enjoying my football, winning league titles and back in the national team. I am very happy,” he said.
Yes, Israel. What is it like playing in that league? “Football is not so much about the league you play in. It is a team sport,” Ogu says earnestly. “It is a function of the quality of the players available to any team. The difference between this and the other top five leagues I can say is about the experience of the players in those top clubs in those top leagues.”
Really, how about money? “Another factor affecting top players coming to Israel is fear or safety. Many players are worried about the situation in the country. The league is probably on the same level financially as Turkey but a lot of players probably feel safer going to Turkey,” he responded.
Watching clips of Israeli league and when Hapoel were in the Europa Cup the passion of the fans can be so clear. You enjoy the passion? “Oh it is an incredibly passionate football country! The fans have always shown me love. They encourage me a lot. They appreciate what I do and always want me to do well. They make me very proud to play for the club and I enjoy winning with and for these fans.”
At Hapoel, Ogu is one of the first names on the team sheet. For the Super Eagles, despite his experience, he is not a guaranteed starter. How does he deal with that? “First, I am one of those who will always respect the decisions of the coach. It is a dream to be called up to represent Nigeria and so it is an honour to be in the squad. So when I come to the Super Eagles camp I do not feel I am coming to replace anyone I just feel I am coming to help my country win matches and qualify for tournaments,” he said.
Ogu, along with a handful of others, is a bridge between the team that last qualified Nigeria for a World Cup and this new set trying to make Russia 2018. What does he make of these new players? “It is a privilege to train with these players I have to tell you. Before joining up with them, I know how proud I am when I am watching the Premier League on TV and I am seeing (Alex) Iwobi, Kelechi (Iheanacho), (Wilfred) Ndidi or I am watching the Bundesliga and there is Leon Balogun at Mainz 05. It is great I tell you. The future of our national team is quite bright,” his face lighting up all the time as he spoke.
He enjoys talking about the Super Eagles as it brings excitement to his face. So, the current technical crew, what do you make of them? “They are incredibly professional and detailed. Before this match with Senegal, we watched videos and edited videos of the individual players. Mostly tailored to meet the individual players we would be playing against. Same thing happened before the match with Algeria. I trust them.”
With back to back titles, do you want to finish your career in Israel? “One can never say never in football. I believe I am good enough to play in all the other leagues but I trust that whatever plans God has for my career will be fulfilled,” Ogu says with candour. “My main target now though is that Nigeria qualifies for the World Cup. Cameroon will have received a big boost with their Afcon win but we have to be determined and keep our heads and we will make it and make Nigerians happy.”
Many Nigerians will join Ogu in praying that he meets his main target. He too will be hoping that he is fit enough and playing regularly enough to make the squad.
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