Former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles captain Musa Mohammed recently won his third cap and first competitive appearance with the Super Eagles, he sat down for a chat with FEVER PITCH where he spoke about Eagles chances in the upcoming tough FIFA World Cup qualifying games.
How did you feel appearing in your first competitive match for super Eagles against Tanzania?
It was an amazing feel because the dream of every player is to one day appear for his country’s senior national, so for me it’s a dream come true and one I’m hoping will continue for a long time because I will like to achieve and win things with the Super Eagles.
You got a yellow card earlier on the game which some felt affected your game a bit, do you agree?
Not at all. It made me a bit cautious though because I know I have to watch my tackles from then on. But overall I feel I played the way I wanted to, helping the team defend and also contributing on the attacking front.
Head Coach Gernot Rohr hailed your performance; did that make you feel extra special?
It’s a good thing whenever your coach tells you that you did well, so I when he told me that he was impressed with my performance I felt good which is natural and it’s also a responsibility on my part, to keep it up and play well whenever I am called upon.
Tell us about Turkey, how well have you adapted to your environment?
All is good in turkey, I have settled well and my teammates and I have a good understanding not forgetting the fact that the club’s management have been awesome, doing all they can to make feel welcome and to give my optimal best.
The World Cup qualifiers are on the way, what are your expectations?
I’m surprised some people are already ruling out Nigeria due to the fact we have Cameroun and Algeria in our group but as far as I’m concerned, eagles fear no country. We are good enough to emerge from that group and the fact that Algeria and Cameroun are in our group will give us extra motivation to perform. We know how vital it is to qualify for Russia 2018 and we will not let Nigerians down, it won’t be good for our people to be watching the Mundial without their own country participating in it.
Immediately after Tanzania, you went to see your family, how influential have they been to your career?
Very influential. I really appreciate the fact that they support me especially my mother who has been immensely supportive and prayerful as far as my footballing journey is concerned. Without them I might not be where I am so I am very thankful.
Are you looking towards the English premier league like most players at some point in your career?
The EPL is an interesting venture for every ambitious player because it’s certainly one of the best leagues in the world. Every player who is ambitious will love to compete with the very best which the EPL gives one. If it happens it’ll be a good move but I’m not in a rush, everything has its time and if the time comes and I get a good offer from the EPL, why not.
Any regrets about the Flying Eagles not been able to reciprocate Golden Eaglets success in last year’s World Cup in New Zealand?
Of course, it was disappointing not being able to achieve world cup success with the Flying Eagles, we gave our very best but unfortunately it wasn’t enough. That team under Coach Manu Garba has immense potential to win the world cup and yes it was painful not to achieve that like we did with the Under 17 in UAE.
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