Nigerian striker Anthony Ujah has only fantastic memories of the last six matches with the Super Eagles. The striker, who has just completed a transfer to FC Koln in Germany from Mainz, was happy that he featured in four of those six matches.
“I know that we got criticisms as strikers for chances missed at the Confederations Cup, but for me the honour of representing Nigeria in the World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Namibia and then being involved in the tournament in Brazil will live with me forever”.
The former Warri Wolves and Lillestrom of Norway striker is a firm believer in his own ability “I have always wanted to play for Nigeria and so, when I was doing well in Norway but never got a call up, I refused to give up. “
He knows the expectations that come with playing for Nigeria “We have many good forwards available for selection for Nigeria, so when I got to camp I worked very hard in training and was determined to take my chance when called upon.”
Against Kenya in that must-win W/Cup Qualifier in Nairobi, as the Nigerian team chased the winner Keshi took a gamble by taking off Brown Ideye and brought on Ujah. His impact was immediate and had an attempt with a header that just narrowly cleared the bar. Unlike the willing Ideye, Ujah was far more central and offered the midfielders and wide men options in the box. “I was ready to get on and do my best for the country, we needed that win and thank God we got it.”
His cameo performance got him a starting place against Namibia a few days later in the next qualifier. He showed his all-round good game but was unlucky not to score against the southern Africa country. The Namibian keeper pulled off a brilliant stop in the first half. Ujah cannot think more highly of Coach Keshi even if he tried.
“The man is unbelievable. He is forever talking to you, encouraging you, telling you where and what to improve on your game.
“He wants each and everyone of us to be the best we can possibly be but somehow still manages to manage us as individuals”.
After the match against Haiti, Ujah sat out the Uruguay and Spain matches. “I did not feel low. The Big Boss was not even angry with me, still spoke with me in training encouraging me to watch what he wants from me when I get on and that made me feel so good”.
After the Confederations Cup, Ujah says he returned to Nigeria and had private “thanksgiving celebrations for the honour of playing for Nigeria” with friends and family. That is one footballer who understands the honour of playing for the fatherland. He will have one big party if he scores the goal that takes Nigeria to the 2014 World Cup, one is inclined to think.
