National Team wannabes vent anger

In a chat with the National DailySports, Nigerian players who couldn’t make the cut on for the national team tell ESTHER EGBE how they feel about Nigeria’s football, hopes, and all that

BABATUNDE MICHAEL, Morocco
WHAT is your football plans in 2016?
Year 2016 will be a very good one for me. I want to use this opportunity to thank all my fans all over the world for everything they have been doing to support me. I want to upgrade my game.
Are you still in contact with the national team?
Yes, I don’t have a choice to still be in good communication with my former team mates.
How did you feel being dropped from the national team?
That is football for you. It can be smooth for you today, but tomorrow may be rough. A player needs to stay positive in life.
What was your experience when you played for the Super Eagles?
It was a great experience playing for my country. It’s the pride of every player.
What are you doing to be called back to the team?
I am working hard to get back to the national team this year. By God’s grace I hope I will be called back to the team.
How do you see the Nigerian football?
We are still growing in our game; there is room for improvement.
What do you think we should change in Nigeria game?
I will love the Nigeria league to pay players their salaries on time.

IKE THANKGOD, Enyimba FC
What is your football plan for 2016?
My plan for football this year is to win the league, CAF Cup with Enyimba and to be called back to the national team.
What club are you playing for now?
I have left Warri wolves for Enyimba fc.
How can you rate your last season?
I tried that last season because I could only play in the 2nd round. That was because of my travel.
How did you feel when you were dropped?
I didn’t feel bad being dropped because I am not the only one that is playing football in Nigeria.
What are you doing to be invited to the national team again?
I am working very hard to be called back to the national camp, I still hope that one day I will be there again.
What do you think about the Nigeria football?
Our management has to try and pay the players and coaches. Our welfare is very poor. It has to improve.
Do you think is improving?
Yes, Nigeria football is improving, but we need to do more work.
How do you see Coach Sunday Oliseh?
I will say Coach Oliseh is a good person that loves to give opportunity to everyone.

OLUMIDE AKOFE, Portugal
What is your football plan for 2016?
I want to make my team here proud, and work hard to be called back to the national team. I was among the U17 that won the world cup in Dubai with the like of Awoniyi. I was dropped in Dubai two days to the world cup. This year I want to be called back to play for my country and show what I am made of.
What club are you playing for now?
I am playing for a club in Portugal.
How can you rate your performance last season?
I will say it wasn’t bad but I will love to improve in my game and make good marks .
How did you feel when you were dropped?
I felt really bad. But there was nothing I could do about it. Nigeria football politics is too much. I learn more from the experience and keep working hard because I believe in my dream.
What are you doing to be invited to the national team again?
I am working hard and I know one day, when they hear my name all over the Europe ,they will surely call me to come back to play for my country.
What do you think about the Nigeria football?
They are very good and strong in playing football. They respect us. Nigerian clubs are not the only clubs owing worker, Clubs in Europe, too.
Do you think Nigeria’s football is improving?
Yes. I will say it over again. Our game is improving
How do you see Coach Sunday Oliseh?
He is a super coach; I pray God will continue to direct him and the team.

MFON UDOH, Enyimba fc
What is your football plan for 2016?
Well my plan is that 2016 football should be better than all my past football years.
What club are you playing for now?
I am still with Enyimba football club.
How did you feel when you were dropped?
Of course, I felt very sad dropping along the way because playing for the country is every player’s dream and pride.
What are you doing to be invited to the national team again?
Working hard, maintaining discipline and praying for the grace of God.
What do you think about the Nigeria football?
There is a lot of improvement in the game the truth be told.
Do you think is improving?
I will give some applause to the LMC and the entire organizers of the league for their tremendous efforts, going to the road to long distance journey. Officiating is beginning to shape up.
How do you see Coach Sunday Oliseh?
Well,I will say he is a good coach too.

LUQMAN GILMORE, Aaaaacc FC
What is your football plan for 2016?
My plan for year 2016 is to move to a big club in Europe and be part of the Olympic team.
What club are you playing for now?
I am with Aaaaaa fc in Ikorodu .
How can you rate yourself last season?
I will not rate myself very high for last year.
How did you feel when you were dropped?
I felt good, but I see it as a challenge to work harder. I was dropped by Coach Siasia at the All African game, but hopefully I will get a call up again.
What are you doing to be invited to the National team again?
Obviously the first step is you doing well for your club and that’s what I am working on.
What do you think about the Nigeria football?
I think we are improving. We kind of get it right at the youth level, but not yet there in the main team, like the Super Eagles.
Do you think is improving?
I think we should eradicate corruption and improve our local league
How do you see Coach Sunday Samson Siasia?
He is a coach who knows what he wants and love to encourage young players.

TEGA ERIOSE, Warri Wolves
What is your football plan for 2016?
My plan is actually to get an amazing season with my team, because we are playing champion league in Africa
What club are you playing for now?
I am still with Warri wolves
How did you feel when you were dropped?
I actually I went for a trial then, and they wouldn’t want to let me go. So I had to decide.
What are you doing to be invited to the National team again?
Just praying and working hard this season.
What do you think about the Nigeria football?
We are trying in Nigeria football; we can do better.
Do you think it is improving?
For now we are doing great job. We just have to back them up, because we have foresight for success.
How do you see Coach Sunday Oliseh?
He is a strict and self confident man