Kingsley Sokari has played in both of Nigeria’s preliminary matches at the Fifa under-20 World Cup in New Zealand.
He was a second-half substitute in Nigeria’s opening game — a depressing 2-4 defeat to Brazil at the Stadium Taranaki, in New Plymouth.
On Wednesday, Nigeria coach Manu Garba decided it was time he unleashed his midfield pearl on the world stage from the start as he was thrown into the fray ahead of Manchester City starlet Kelechi Iheanacho.
Sokari did not disappoint. He bossed the midfield and scored a stupendous goal as the Flying Eagles put Korea to the sword in emphatic fashion (The Nigerians won 4-0).
The midfielder, who is also a member of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team (the Super Eagles), the under23s, and six-time Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Enyimba FC, participated in an interesting Q&A session with supersport.com on Thursday.
Tell us about your favourite food.
I will go for Rice or Yam. Let me have either with egg sauce plus noodles and you have a happy man.
Who is your best friend in football?
That has to be Christian Pyagbara. We are both Port Harcourt boys and started together.
Which is your favourite car?
That will have to be the latest model of BMW X6. I think it is the best car in the world.
Best memory in football?
Breaking into the Super Eagles squad during the qualifiers for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) will always be special to me.
And the worst?
The red card I picked up in Egypt when Enyimba played against Smouha in the (2015) Caf Champions League.
We conceded two goals after I was sent off and crashed out of the competition after I got dismissed.
It was painful because I did not deserve to be sent off as the officiating was so bad.
Who are the best dressed members of the Super Eagles, U23s, U20s and Enyimba?
For the national teams, it will be hard to give a name because we never dress in casual clothes while in camp.
For Enyimba, I will go with Ugwu Uwadiegwu.
And the worst?
Danlami Umar….shocking dresser.
Who is the best coach you have ever worked with?
(Grassroots coach) Joseph Egbu also known as coach Zico.
Who is the hardest defender you have ever faced?
Heartland defender Nelson Ogbonnaya. I think he’s one of the best in the NPFL.
Th one celebrity you would love to date?
(thinks long and hard)….none yet to be honest.
What would you do if you found a million US dollars in your account?
(Laughs). Well, that cannot happen now unless I join a European club which should happen one day by the grace of God.
Which European club do you support?
In England, it’s Manchester United while FC Barcelona is the club for me in Spain.
Who is the best footballer in the world today?
Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s strong, intelligent and a born winner
Do you keep pets?
I-pad or I-pod?
If you were to be abandoned on a deserted Island, what one possession would you take with you?
My phone. The contacts I have in that phone are just priceless.
Favourite holiday destination?
None yet.
Can the Flying Eagles win the World Cup in New Zealand?
Yes we will conquer. People talk about Brazil and other teams but we are not worried.
We know that with the quality of players we have in this team, other teams are scared of us.
Thanks Kingsley.
You are welcome.