Chidozie Collins Awaziem who plays as a central defender for Primeira Liga club Boavista is in his third AFCON after featuring in Egypt, Cameroon and now Cote d’Ivoire. He spoke with Taofeek Babalola over Super Eagles plan to beat host country again in today’s final.
Super Eagles were not given a chance against host country Cote d’Ivoire in the Group A game, how did you pull it off?
It was amazing and a psychological game. It was a game that we put a lot of energy into. It was a game that showed that the team is focused and pushing with a lot of hard work. It helped the team a lot to keep going, keep believing and keeps giving all on the pitch. The victory was very important and we got it.
We are meeting them again in the ultimate final clash. How are you guys preparing for the game?
We are very well prepared. Every day, every training session, we are focused on the next opponent, so right now, we will put a lot of effort, a lot of training, a lot of tactical work to make sure we beat Cote d’Ivoire again because we want to go home with the trophy. Also, it’s being going well and everybody has being put lots of efforts in training and also the coach is doing very well as well.
You guys have played six games so far. Generally, how can you describe the tournament?
Actually, it’s being good. We had a draw in the first game against Equatorial Guinea and we knew we could do better. We came against Ivory Coast we wanted the victory. Everybody put hard work and we got the victory. With the support of Nigerians, it helps a lot. Also, all the games we played, experience has being very amazing. Experiencing the AFCON is what all African players want to achieve. And we want to achieve it again by winning the AFCON.
This is your third AFCON, how does it mean to you as a player?
Honestly, it’s been very incredible. It’s not a lot of player that can go this far. So, I have being steady, putting lots of work at the training session and during the games. I have being to Egypt, I have been to Cameroon and this is my third AFCON. It’s wonderful seeing myself going every day, every game, every tournament, and being able to help my country. So I am so happy for what have been able to achieve with the Super Eagles.
Personally, what is your target for this tournament?
My target is to be the champion, to be the winner of this tournament. The last time Nigeria won the tournament was in 2013. So, we want to win it again and we want to bring it home. We feel the hunger and everybody want to win it. For me, this is my target and this is my dream.
Majority of the players in this team are very young. How do you see this team in the next four years?
Honestly, this team is going to do great things because we have a lot of talented players, we have a lot skillful players. We have lots of players in Nigeria, in Europe who didn’t make the team. It’s not that they are not good they are very good but the coach had to pick 25 players to represent Nigeria. I know in the next four years Nigeria has a lot of talented players. Some players can be here next year, next two years, no one knows. All i can say is that to all the players that have not being called, just keep working hard and not relenting and one day you would be here. In the next four years, I believe this team can be stronger than now. It is just a matter of time.
What is your message for Nigerians at home?
My message for Nigerians is to keep supporting us, keep paying. Your support is needed and keeps supporting us. We could all achieve this dream together.
