Ikechukwu Uche, a Super Eagles striker who currently plays for Getafe F.C in the Spanish first division, was born on 5 January, 1984 in Aba. The pacy and skilful goal poacher is the younger brother of Almeria F.C. of Spain’s Kalu Uche, who also plays for the current Super Eagles. The player joined Getafe of Spain in 2007/08 season, and has put up brilliant showings against big clubs like current European champions, Barcelona and scored against Real Madrid in the La Liga. Ikechukwu, who scored one of Nigeria’s three goals against the Harambee Stars of Kenya last week, spoke about the chances of the Eagles in the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying series in this interview with Tunde Oyedele in Abuja.
Q: You and your elder brother, Kalu must be happy playing in the same team for Nigeria, do you discuss this in your family?
A: Yes, we talk about how we can make the best use of the opportunity because it is not that easy for two brothers to get first team shirts in any team, talk less of the Nigerian senior national team. There are millions of players who have great talents in this country, so we believe it’s a privilege for us to play for the Super Eagles.
Q: The 2010 World Cup qualifiers are getting tougher, what’s the spirit like in the Super Eagles’ camp?
A: The spirit is very high in the Super Eagles. We do everything in common, pray, eat, train and play as a team. We are on course in the qualifying series and I will like Nigerians to know that the Eagles have the determination to qualify for the World Cup. The defeat of Kenya’s Harambee Stars in Abuja showed how serious we are to play in the South Africa 2010.
Q: Your second minute goal against Kenya is the talk of the town, how do you feel?A: I’m happy for the opprtunity I have to play for my country and scoring so early in that match was good for Eagles’ progress. The goal was timely and it helped us to push on against a determined Kenyan side. The two goals scored by Obinna Nsofor were also very good and important for our country’s quest for the World Cup ticket in our group.
Q: The match against Kenya almost slipped away from Nigeria’s hands before Obinna Nsofor’s two goals complemented your first goal, how did you see the encounter in Abuja?
A: My believe is that all the countries participating in the World Cup qualifiers have equal chances of making it to South Africa, but some are more determined to play in the mundial. The Kenyans were in Abuja to upset us, the match was not that easy, but we played our hearts out and secured maximum points, that’s the most important thing. The Kenyans showed that they are not pushovers. They made the match difficult by playing too deep in their half. But we managed to scale their hurdle by outplaying them. I’m satisfied with the 3-0 result, that was a step forward for us as a team.
Q: The Chief Coach, Shuaibu Amodu is impressed with the Super Eagles for your performances in recent times, what is your take on that?
A: There is nothing as fulfilling as being appreciated by your boss. I’m proud of coach Amodu and believe he will lead us to the World Cup. He has the leadership qualities needed to take Nigeria to the World Cup.
Q: What are the players saying about Eagles’ must-win qualifying match against leaders of the group, Tunisia in Tunis on 20 June?
A: We are determined to go to Tunis and play to win. The match will be very tough because the Tunisian team are desperate to play in the World Cup. The fact that Tunisia won their two matches and Nigeria has drawn one and won the other, will put some pressure on us because we are two points behimd them. But that will not give them an edge, we will go and give our best against Tunisia. We will train hard in Malta and play the match of our lives against Tunisia.
Q: Ik, you sound so serious about the World Cup, is this the same feeling among your teammates?
A: Yes, the feeling is the same because we want to play in the World Cup. Our captain, Nwankwo Kanu told us point blank during a meeting that he wants to play in South Africa 2010 World Cup. He wants us to give over 100 per cent and we are working towards this. That is the same thinking in our minds. For me and my brother, Kalu, this will be our first World Cup and we cannot afford to miss it. The World Cup is achievable, all of us are dreaming about playing in the first World Cup to be staged in an African country.
Q: What do you think Nigeria can do to qualify?
A: Nigeria has started taking the right step. The NFF has been doing its administrative job, trying to get us training grounds and organising tune up matches. The Task Force is doing its part by mobilising support for the team and motivating the players. Our coaches are guiding us on while we players are getting into action. I think the fans are also coming along, rising to the occasion with their support. Nigeria will qualify for the World Cup if all hands are on deck.
Q: What is your reaction to the report that Arsene Wenger is planning to sign you for Arsenal in the new season?
A: Well, I heard about that but I have nothing much to say about it for now. I’m concentrating on our World Cup qualifiers and I’m a Getafe player as I’m speaking with you (a round of laughter).
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