Ayagwa: Only God knows why I am not in Flying Eagles

You were one of the regulars when the present Flying Eagles screening started in Abuja. How did you get into the team?
I got into the Flying Eagles camp based on the recommendation of Coach Emmanuel Amunike. I was not invited officially so when I came I was coming to train from home. However, after few training sessions, the coaches felt I was good enough to stay. So I was asked to come over to the team’s camp at the FIFA Goal project. I did my best and stayed till the final day of the first phase of screening. Unfortunately, when camp reopened I was not among those who were selected. However, after some time, I was invited back to camp, this time in Kaduna. I went and played but I was dropped. Shortly before the team departed for the Africa Youth Championship, I was invited again but I did not make the final list as I was dropped again. So I can say I spent a lengthy period training with the Flying Eagles.
Were you surprised that the coaches kept calling and dropping you?
I wasn’t surprised because I know that I have what it takes to play for the Flying Eagles. Moreover, I was not disappointed by anything that happened because it is only God that knows why I am not in the present Flying Eagles. I know I did well and that was why the coaches kept asking me to come back to camp. In all things, I give God the glory for the experience I have acquired. God’s time is the best. I don’t have any hard feelings.
Could you share your experience in Flying Eagles camp?
It was a wonderful experience. It is the dream of every good player to play for his country so when I got it, I gave it my best shot. I had the opportunity of working under some of the best youth coaches in the land. Coach Manu Garba is like a father to me. In fact the experience I gained in camp is helping me a great deal in my present club, Spotlight of Katsina State.
How did you get into Spotlight FC?
Somebody recommended me to the coach of Spotlight. So after watching me for some time in Kaduna where Flying Eagles camped before the AYC, he was impressed and as soon as I was dropped, he made arrangements for me to join his team. I had offers from some Nigeria Premier League clubs but based on past experiences, I did not want to take chances. I decided to start from somewhere than staying without playing.
What past experience are you talking about here?
In the past some of these big clubs came for me, some even paid for my transportation and accommodation but in the end, for reasons best known to them, I did not sign. So I did not want a repeat of such disappointments. When Spotlight FC’s offer came, I felt God wanted me to start from the scratch.
How ready is Spotlight FC for the 2014/2015 season which is commencing this weekend?
We have been working hard in our preparations so I can tell you that we are ready for the league. Even if we were to play in the premier league, we wouldn’t have any problem. Our target is to fight for promotion to the premier league. Our group is no doubt tough but we are battle ready.
Nigeria is yet to win the FIFA U20 World Cup. Having been a part of the team, would you say Flying Eagles are good to break the jinx?
Trust me, they are going to have a wonderful outing in New Zealand. These are young players who are determined to achieve results and I don’t see anything stopping them. I still follow everything in the camp of the Flying Eagles. Most of the players are my friends. We call and chat from time to time. I know what the players want to achieve in New Zealand. I am still a part of the team in spirit and soul.
You had the opportunity of playing alongside some of the FIFA U17 World Cup winning players. How would you describe the experience?
I must say that it was a great experience for me. In fact Taiwo Awoniyi was my roommate back in Kaduna and it was an amazing experience. Although he is a young player, he has made a name and so staying with him in the same room was gratifying. Apart from him, I dined and wined with some of the world conquering Eaglets and it was quite inspiring. It made me feel that I am as good as any of them.
Many people have tipped these players you are talking about for greatness. Do you share in their optimism?
I quite agree with people who feel the Flying Eagles are the future Super Eagles. I tell you even the sky is not their limit. It is their starting point. Most of them are going to hit it big in Europe. The likes of Bernard Bulbwa, Musa Mohammed, Musa Yahaya, Taiwo Awoniyi are exceptional players. They will do the country proud now and in future.
Raphael how did you start your football career?
I started right from when I was six years. When I started I never knew football is played for money. I just enjoyed playing the game. Even now that I know football is good business, I play first and foremost for the love I have for the game. Football is part of my life.
Are you a product of a football academy?
To some extent, I will say yes. I started out there on the streets of Gboko town from where I moved to Abaya Babes in Gboko. The proprietor of the football academy, may his soul rest in peace, encouraged us a lot. He exposed us early to competitions. He used to take us out to represent Benue State in national competitions. I remember we won bronze medal in 2003 in the Chief of Navy U13 championship in Kaduna.
Do you have any role model?
Yes I do. My role models are Yaya Toure of Manchester City and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric. They inspire me a lot. Anytime they are playing, I watch them with keen interest.
What is your dream club?
My dream is to play for Arsenal in the English Premier League. I like the way they play.
Are you a fan of the club?
Funny enough I am a fan of Tottenham Hotspur. I don’t support Arsenal.
So why the choice of Arsenal as your dream club?
I would like to play for Arsenal because of Arsene Wenger. He is my best coach because he encourages young player and it would be wonderful playing under him. In addition, Arsenal have a very good youth development programme.