Siasia’s Axe On Osaze, An Error

Former youth international, Anthony Emedofu, a.k.a “Poropo”,who played for both the Golden Eaglets and the Flying Eagles, told ADEBOBOLA ALAWODE in this interview at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria that the decision of Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Samson Siasia to axe Super Eagles and West Bromwich Albion striker, Osaze Odemwingie, from the team is not the best for the country

You were a member of the 1987 Golden Eaglets and the Saudi 89’ teams, how was your experience?

There were memories that I won’t forget in a hurry. Wearing the Nigerian jersey is not easy so when I wore it I gave Nigeria my all. I thank God for giving me the strength to represent my country and my family for being there for me.

What were some of your achievements while you represented Nigeria?

Well, I won silver medal with the Flying Eagles at the Saudi ’89 World Cup, won silver with the Golden Eaglets in 1987 and at the ECOWAS Cup in Bauchi 89, I won Gold. I also won some medals with some clubs in the Nigerian League. I’m still winning medals since I changed to rugby in the last eight to nine years.

Why did you switch over to rugby ?

I changed to rugby because age was not on my side and the sport to me is like a recreation sport. It is tougher than football, so I believe I can make something from the game.

Which club or state do you play for and what position?

I play for Edo State and I’m a forward.

Back to football, what do you think is missing in football in Nigeria?

A lot is missing today because when we were playing we didn’t put so much interest in money. Most of the players today are money conscious. We played football in those because of the passion for the game. People like me didn’t play for money but for the fame that comes with it. The part I enjoyed most when I was playing(which still gives me joy) was when I hear people shout my nickname “Poropo” when I entered the stadium. The ovation gave me motivation. Such thing is missing today. I still rate my time as the best.

Why do fans call you “Poropo”?

It was a name given to me by my father’s friend.

What does “Poropo” mean?

Before I could ask my father’s friend what it means, he had died.

Even if you weren’t able to play for the national team, the Super Eagles, can we discuss about the team?

Yes, why not, I’m a Nigerian.

What is your stand on the decision of Coach Samson Siasia to axe Osaze Odemwingie from the national team?

I think both of them have something that they are hiding. They should summon courage to tell Nigerians what they have against each other. The world is waiting to know what the problem is.

Why are you alleging that there is something amiss?

Well in my opinion I see no reason a player should be axed for going back to play for his club. There is nothing wrong with that. I believe there is a communication breakdown somewhere. Odemwingie is the rave of the moment, so I see no reason he should be axed because of that. Maybe there is another issue involved that we don’t know yet.

If Odemwingie could come down from Europe to play for Nigeria I don’t know why Siasia should hammer him because club supersedes the national team. I say so because he has a contract with West Bromwich but he does not have a contract with the Super Eagles. He didn’t leave the national team’s camp to go for a jamboree or a party. He went back to his club.

Do you think Nigerians will blame Siasia for sanctioning Osaze from the national team if Nigeria fail to qualify for the Gabon/Equatorial Guinea 2012 Nations Cup?

Personally, I will blame him because they gave him the needed support. If he feels he can axe Odemwingie to trade our 2012 Nations Cup ticket, Nigerians would call for his head.

Do you think Nigeria can still qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup?

We can still qualify, but we have to take the remaining games as serious as possible. We must not toy with our remaining games. We must work hard ,I mean real hard work, to qualify for the Nations Cup.