In an interview with CHARLES OGUNDIYA of the Saturday Telegraph, Sikiru Alimi, the B forward for the Super Eagles, stated that the postponing of the CHAN tournaments will have an impact on all teams, particularly Nigeria. Excerpts:
How has life been at the CHAN team’s camp?
It has been really intriguing since we joined as a team, and we were all anticipating the event until we learned of its postponement and were instructed to head back to their own clubs. It was a severe blow.
To what extent did the announcement of the championship’s new date disappoint you?
Naturally, we were really unhappy, as evidenced by the players’ expressions. It even had an impact on our mental health because we were already starting to properly prepare for the event. We were holding out hope, but once the postponement had occurred, there was nothing we could do.
Do you think Nigeria will do well at the CHAN based on your work prior to the players being decamped?
Naturally, the players and technical staff were already developing a formation that would assist the squad succeed, but regrettably, we will have to start over when the time comes.
Do you think the Super Eagles’ chances would be impacted by the possibility that some of the players moved before the fresh invitation?
Since we were already learning more about ourselves, it will undoubtedly have an impact on the team’s cohesion. We already become a cohesive squad because we were together prior to the qualifying and regrouped for the actual preparation. The coaches would have to find some new players because some of the players are expected to be moving abroad, and the process of reassembling the team would then repeat again. But I have faith that all of the team’s coaches can perform well.
Do you think that having Daniel Ogunmodede as your coach for both your club and national team will help you fit in with the group?
Practically speaking, however, it was challenging because the national team’s game was different from the club’s environment. Thus, there were various patterns and structures in this place.
How much did you gain from the experience, particularly qualifying at Ghana’s expense, when Nigeria last played in the qualifiers? The Eagles fell to Togo 4-3, and you scored the two goals in the second leg at Agege Stadium.
Since I told my teammates about my experiences in the previous qualifier before the first leg, I must admit that I was rather pleased with our performance in Ghana. I knew that every player had made the decision to work harder because it was the only way we could advance to this event. When we really scored the opening goal away from home before losing 4-1, it was a particularly unpleasant experience. We could have qualified at home by scoring the third goal, which was even more agonizing, but it was never meant to be, and now is our chance.
How would you rank the group that the Super Eagles will play Senegal, the tournament’s reigning winner, along with Congo and Sudan?
Given the type of nations in our group, it is among the most challenging groups in the tournament. The Nigerian group is among the most challenging in this tournament, in my opinion. Nigeria will undoubtedly succeed if it works hard and is determined.
What do you think about the discussion that the CHAN tournament isn’t actually required?
It is crucial and absolutely essential. Those that are saying it’s not necessary to continue with CHAN, they don’t know how we, the players, feel when we’re being neglected from the main national team. And I believe it’s terrible that it has been postponed since this is a chance for us to even show off our abilities and unite as a team.
You met with the new Super Eagles coach, and definitely I know he will have spoken with you players in camp. Do you see this man as somebody that will give the home-based players opportunity in the main Eagles team?
Yes, I believe so. His football knowledge in general reveals he love domestic football and his brief talk with us was great. It was an instant impact a boost to our confidence generally. He watched our friendly game against Sunshine Stars which we won 3-2 and he spoke with us well. He encouraged us all on our career and need to believe in ourselves. Also in his communication and what he wants to do, I am certain he will give the players playing at home the opportunity.
Talking about you as an individual, how has it been playing in the domestic league?
It wasn’t an easy one for me. The ups, the downs, the difficult aspects, the injuries. I would say to myself it was a tricky time. Playing in the domestic league, going and coming, it’s a very psychological thing. The trips are often so difficult, traveling for hours to meet up a schedule game and so on, however, I thank God for where I am today.
You had history with injuries, how easy was it for you returning after a long layoff some years back?
Seriously, some young people don’t get their level back after such an injury which really makes me to give kudos to myself. And playing in the domestic league doesn’t diminish your talent as a person and it doesn’t make you less. I think it’s always a place to always come and get back to your confidence and keep your fitness.
Recently, we had some top players returning to the league; Shehu Abdulahi and Ahmed Musa returning to Kano Pillars while Brown Ideye also signed for Enyimba. Do you see that as a boost to the league?
Yes, definitely. For them to return to the league and also giving such a performance, it shows there is something about the league that they have seen which informed their decision to return to Nigeria to play in the league. It is good for the entire system and many of the players will see them as role models and will also learn a few things from them.
You are playing for Remo Stars, a private club, how would you compare the club and other government owned clubs you have played for?
Honestly, playing for Remo Stars is one of the decisions I make. Coming to experience such is very important for me to know how it feels playing for a private club and I think it’s one of the decisions I have made that I never regretted. There are lots of differences playing for a club run by government and private club. I want to urge everyone and the people in charge of our league to try and allow for more private owned club sides in our league. I think more private clubs should be welcomed in the league because of the good structures; they pay attention to details compared to the state clubs.
Are you saying the league body should encourage more private clubs in the league?
Yes, I think more private owned clubs will be more developed and the welfare package will be mostly improved on.
How did you come into football?
It is my passion for football and also, my father played football. He has been there for me right from the start and that’s why it was easy for me to get to where I am today.
We are at the halfway stage of the season, what are your targets with Remo Stars? Do you see the team going all the way and win the title?
Definitely, we can go all the way. Last season, we were a bit unlucky we came short and were second on the log. This is still the same mindset we came to the season with, we want to go for the ultimate prize which is the title. And I think with the help of myself and my colleagues, we can really achieve more this season.
If you have not been a footballer, what would you have done for yourself as a career?
I think I would have been a naval officer.
What interests you in the army?
My father was an officer. And my mother was into military stuff too. So I grew up in the barracks and if not for football, I would have ended up as an officer too.
The dream of every player is to take their trade abroad, you have done that before, but if the opportunity comes, where do you wish to go to?
Currently, I don’t have a preferred place. I just want a platform for me to keep enjoying the game and get my means of survival.
