Brazil 2014 World Cup Qualifier: Eagles Will Qualify

Emmanuel Emenike has told MTNFootball.com in a special interview Nigeria will fly all the way to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The big striker scored one of the goals as the Eagles beat Malawi 2-0 in Calabar on Saturday to top their qualifying group and book a place in the final playoffs for next year’s World Cup and said he has never doubted Nigeria’s class. He also told MTNFootball.com he will justify his big-money move to Fenerbache as he is not in any way under pressure to get goals. 

How was it like while you have been away from the Eagles? 

It was not easy because I wanted to be in action for my country at every time, but when injury comes, you can’t help it. That was my situation, but I was always with the team even when I was not around them physically.

Now you are back with a goal to show, how do you feel? 

It is a thing of joy to me to be back with my beloved country, coming back with a goal has definitely lifted my confidence, it is the Lord’s doing anyway.

Despite Eagles dominating the game against Malawi, it was difficult to get the goals, what went through your mind when you broke the deadlock as expected by Nigerians? 

I was happy I scored because a lot of people gave me the confidence before the game to get a goal and I am happy I lived up to their expectations again. I really appreciate everybody’s support to me and the team, it really helped us.

How would you rate Malawi? 

They really stretched us to the limit, they frustrated all our efforts to score but at the end of the day, we proved to be the better side and won.

There is another hurdle for the team to make it to the 2014 World Cup, do you see the Eagles going all the way to Brazil? 

I always have the same feeling to contribute my own quota to see that Eagles do well in any game I play, I have never deferred my intention and I am very much confident that we are going to Brazil next year for the World Cup. I don’t know our next opponents, but I am preparing towards the toughest match of my life already.

Do you prefer any opponent in the final playoffs of the World Cup qualifiers? 

No, we should not expect any weak team because our status is already known and that is why we must be ready mentally and physically to make Nigerians happy. At this stage every team is tough and want the ticket, but I see no team stopping us, this is not a mere boast but we are capable and ready.

Who did you dedicate your goal against Malawi to? 

I dedicated the goal to the orphans because I have people who care for me every minute, day-by-day, apart from my father and mother, there are lots of people who always wish me well.

But unfortunately, the orphans do not have parental impact and I always feel bad seeing such people. I know a goal is not enough but I am dedicating it to show them I am one of the people who care for them. I would have dedicated the goal to my mother, but I think she has had enough of my goals already.

Who impressed you most in the Eagles against Malawi? 

I can’t pick anyone, we all worked very hard for the victory and deserve the praise together. No department was less busy and that is what I know, it was a collective victory. I am very happy with everybody’s attitude and that was the only way to silence the noisy team.

Are you under pressure to score goals at Fenerbahce considering your big-money move from Spartak Moscow?  

No, not at all. Everybody in Istanbul knows my ability before coming back to the team, and I have not lost my confidence.  The goals will come naturally without any pressure, I can assure you that. I will definitely justify the move. Fenerbahce are a lovely club.

What are your targets at Fenerbahce? 

I want to score as many goals as I can and contribute to the success of the team. I want to win trophies with the team and I am still very much on course.