I Want To Play In Olympic Games

Nnamdi Oduamadi was one of the players in the U-23 Eagles that played against Liberia in the All Africa Games qualifier recently at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Nigeria. The AC Milan of Italy star played a vital role in the 6-1 demolition of the Liberians in an encounter watched by Governor Adams Oshiomhole. Odumadi told TAIWO ADELU about the country’s chances of playing in the football event of the All Africa Games scheduled for Maputo, Mozambique in September

Do you think the performance of the U-23 Eagles justified their victory over the Liberia team?

I think the scoreline showed that we are the superior side. In the first leg which we played in Monrovia, the bad pitch of the stadium prevented us from expressing ourselves and we managed to played a 1-1 draw game. But in the second leg in Benin, you can see that we deserved the victory.

What made the second leg match an easy one?

The credit goes to the coaching crew led by Austin Eguavoen. We had good preparations and in the match proper, we played to the coach’s instructions. This really helped us. You can see that when the Liberians drew the first blood in the first half. Coach Eguavoen charged us to wake up. I think the rest of the players deserve accolades as well.

What about Benin fans?

They were wonderful. I expected them to be angry with the first goal of the Liberian team, but they did not lose faith in us. Their support really helped us in regaining our confidence back and I really than them for their support.

Do you see this team making it to the All Africa Games?

Why not, we have what it takes to qualify for the Games in Maputo. We are taking the matches as they come and I’m sure that we’ll get to the destination.

You are still part of Coach Eguavoen’s team in the Africa qualifying series for the football event of the 2011 Olympic Games?

Yes, I think Eguavoen sees the good in me and he has been inviting me for national assignments. I pray that I won’t disappoint him and Nigerians.

What about the Olympic Games?

I can’t wait to see our team play in the London 2012 Olympic Games. I believe we will scale the hurdles to the Olympics. It is the dream of the players in the U-23 Eagles that we should represent the country at the Games. This will be a major achievement for me as a player and it will boost my career and give me better exposure. It will be a dream come true.

Do you wish to play in the senior national team?

As a young player, I aspire to play in the senior national team very soon. I was invited to the Eagles sometime but did not get the opportunity to pick a shirt. I’m still looking forward to another chance. That is why I want to do my very best to shine in the U-23 team so that I can be spotted by the senior team coaches.

How will you react to the death of Adefemi Olubayo?

Bros, the death of Olubayo came as a surprise to many of us. It’s very painful and sad at this point in Nigerian football. A player who was just coming up. I cannot describe how I feel. I pray that God should give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.