Nigeria Can Win U-20 World Cup

Nigeria’s Umar Aminu finished as top scorer of the just concluded African Youth Championship, AYC, in Algeria. He told MTNFootball.com that the Flying Eagles can win the U-20 world champion in July

Congratulations Aminu on emerging as top scorer of the 2013 African Youth Championship. Did you expect this personal accolade? 

To be honest with you, I did not expect it, but I’m very happy that I won it because it was not easy and this was only my first international outing. It is a massive boost to the entire team because I could not have won it without the support of my teammates and coaches.

You scored four goals in four matches. Looking back now, could you have scored more goals in Algeria? 

Yes, I should have scored a few more goals but probably inexperience caused me not to.

How would you rate your performance at the AYC? 

I wasn’t fully fit for the tournament as both of my ankles were not good so I would so myself six out of 10. I believe if I were fully fit, I would have done a lot more.

Who would you dedicate this award to? 

It will be to my dear mother, Hajara Umar. She has been there for me ever since I decided I would make football a career. She has always encouraged me to see the sky as only my starting point.

Which of your goals at the AYC gave you the most joy?

It will have to be my second goal against DR Congo, a chip over the goalkeeper. It is a kind of goal that Lionel Messi would score, something I have watched on television.

Should the Flying Eagles have finished third at the AYC? 

As a Muslim, I will take it that we were destined to finish third in Algeria even though we ought to have been crowned champions again. I believe at the World Cup in Turkey we will do better than we did at the AYC. We will get to the final and go on to win the World Cup for the first time.

On a personal note, what targets have you set for yourself in Turkey? 

I want to also finish as top scorer at the World Cup

The Flying Eagles failed to defend their crown after they lost 2-0 to Egypt in the semi-finals. What are your thoughts about this game now? 

It was not a difficult game. The fact was that we failed to take our chances and they took theirs.

Which team impressed you besides Nigeria at Algeria 2013? 

Ghana. I watched them in the final against Egypt and they played with a lot of confidence. They attacked and defended as a team.

Describe yourself as a player. 

I like to hold the ball, run with the ball and beat defenders on the line. I shoot with both legs even though my right is my stronger foot. I could improve aerially.

Which is your favourite club? 

I love Arsenal because they play good football. It will be a dream to play for Arsene Wenger.

And your favourite player? 

Iniesta of Barcelona and Spain. He’s a very confident player and dribbles his way out of small spaces. He does the unexpected when you least expect it.

Which is your dream European league? 

I would love to move to France, Portugal, Italy or even England. But the most important thing is to start out playing regular first-team football and then take it from there.