He was invited to the National Team (Super Eagles) after their triumph as African Champions in the 29th Edition of the Nations cup in South Africa. Bayo Salau caught-up with Academica de Coimbra midfielder, John Ogu where he spoke on his way to stardom and his plan with the Eagles and club career......
Can we meet you please?
I am John Ogu. Academica de Coimbra player in Portugal and i'm 25. And from a family of five, the first and i have got three sisters and a brother.
Apart from playing for the Eagles which for me has been a want long over-due. How did you achieved that feat of dorning the Eagles jersey, I mean your story from "grass to grace"
I started my football from the streets of Lagos with Starlets FC of Ijesha but it was Flying sport Academy that took me out of the shores of the Country to Slovenia where i played for four seasons before moving to Almeria in Spain. I am now playing for Academica de Coimbra,but had played earlier for Leria before i moved back to Academica de Coimbra .
We hardly follow the Primera division back here in the country but you had some struggles last term,but the Confederation's cup was a springboard to prove your worth to many and national selectors.How do you hope to better those achievements this term and how it's been so far?
Yeah! I had 20 games last season with Academica. I played in the UEFA Cup and Portuguese Cup and other games. Like you said ,we had tough times and the season has started with us winning two games and having a drawn game once, so i don't want to go through rough times any longer this term. "We had a good pre-season where we won 8 in 9 games but it's a different thing now.We're working hard and hopefully we get a better result henceforth".
Now let me take you off what you did last season.You just talked about expectations and what you hope for this term. But in reality are you satisfied playing in Portugal?
Well, it isn't a bad league. I am happy to play in Portugal; i mean playing against top sides like Benfica, Braga, Porto.These are big sides in Europe. As a player you always aim to play in top clubs in Europe so at the moment i'm with Academica de Coimbra and i don't know what the future holds but i have got goals,as i want to play in top clubs, but at least for my career it's a stepping stone and i'm hoping to do well in other Countries to continue my career if the opportunity arises.
Talking about offers which club would you want to play asides Portugal?
Aside Portugal, you know the English league,(cut in)the most watched league,not really the most watched but one of the best because a lot of top players are there and you know there is the Spanish league,the German league as well that has got fantastic individuals too. If hopefully by God's grace i find myself in one of this countries i will be grateful, so i think it takes hard-work and that i am taking step-by step.
I mean i love my country and i am so happy to wear the shirt and to be with guys .We have a great coach who wants the best from us and he is been showing it, working with him is a plus. As a player i have learnt so much from him and it's a great feeling and want to give my best in every opportunity that comes especially to score goals.
Do you have a girlfriend or a wife?
Well i don't have any wife (laugh) but if i have a girlfriend, i will keep it cos' i don't want to talk about it as i want to keep it close to my chest.
But you should tie the nuptial knot soon i guess?
Sure! when the time comes and i mean i will do it.
Who can you attribute your success to ?
My family i would say .They were there from day one, till this day. Yeah! just my family, everyone of them have all contributed to this achievement of mine so far. So happy to have them all around me,
Finally what do you have to the new kids that one to take to football?
My advice to them is that they should pray and work hard cos i am a living witness to that. If they want to go to school they should please do so but also pursue their dream and if they don't then the dream should still be pushed till they get it. They shouldn't give up cos i am sure if i can achieve it they can also do same.
Thanks so much for speaking to us?
Yeah! thanks too
No comments:
Post a Comment