28th February, 2012
Okey Nwadike is the Team Manager of Enyimba International of Aba. In this interview, he talked about the ambition of the former league champions and two-time CAF champions league winners. He also spoke about Nigeria’s football as the Super Eagles prepare for their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda, holding tommorrow in Kigali, Rwanda.
How will you describe your team’s performance so far this season?
We have been trying our best this season, considering the fact that we are virtually building a new team. I will say I am satisfied with the feat we have recorded so far.
Are you building a new team from the scratch?
No. We were not satisfied with last season’s performance. Hence, there was need to reschuffle the entire team by letting off some players and acquiring new ones. The new team are made up of almost 80 per cent of new players.
Do you think that with the performance of the new team so far, you can achieve your aims this season?
Sure. The league is still very wide open and with the draw we got against Sunshine today (Sunday) and the fact that our players are beginning to work together as a team, I am confident that our aim for the league title this season is still achievable.
You mean your target this season is to win the Nigeria Premier League title?
Definitely, but not only to win the league’s trophy but to win trophies in all the competitions we will participate in this season. And we will do everything to attain this goal.
What has been the challenge(s) so far this season?
Injuries to some of our players at an early stage of the season have been our bane. But that would not be an excuse, because we are determined to excel this season.
What is your take on the performance of the new Super Eagles’ coach, Stephen Keshi, as regards the local players in the team and their match against Rwanda?
I think Keshi is doing a great job. Nigerians should give him enough time to perform and the local players still need to play grade A matches for us to know what they can offer the country. I see the Eagles coming out with a good result in Kigali.