EDAFE EGBEDI DECLARES...‘I target U20 World Cup top scorer’
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You have started the U20 World Cup on a super note with two goals and an assist against Guatemala on Sunday. How do you feel?
EDAFE EGBEDI: I’m very happy. Before the match, I had the feeling I will score and God made it possible for me to do so, not once but twice.Who would you dedicate these goals to?
First to God, then all Nigerians and then my friends and family particularly my mother. She prayed for favour from God for me before this tournament and prophesised good things for me in Colombia. I love her.
You also did a dance after both goals. Can you tell us more about this dance?
It’s the dance performed by our second goalkeeper Kazim Yekini right from the time we were in Portugal. He does it anytime when we meet as a team to pray in the night. He said I should do the dance for him when I score. And when I scored, I did it for him to honour God.
You also featured at the 2009 FIFA U17 World Cup. How many goals did you score?
I scored three goals.
How does the U17 World Cup compare to the U20 World Cup?
There is a big difference between the two. At the U20 World Cup, they play a far matured game as it is to be expected, allowing one more space to express himself.
You are currently without a club, yet you were not match rusty against Guatemala.
God gave me the power and I also worked very hard, sometimes doing extra fitness exercises in my room.
I live in Warri and so I also train with Warri Wolves, for both their main and feeder teams. Sometimes even play friendly matches for them.
What targets have you set for yourself at Colombia 2011?
First, for us to win the World Cup. Secondly, for me to get a club in Europe and I also wish to finish as the top scorer of the tournament with five, six goals.
Do you have any club in mind?
Whatever club God chooses for me, I will go, but I would prefer a club in Europe.
You are the smallest in the Flying Eagles at only 1.62 metres. Does size count in football?
No it does not. If it did, (Ramon) Azeez and I would not be here.
You need to be mentally strong, fit, have speed, skills and be intelligent to be a good player. The coach picked me in his final squad because I merited it and my size did not stop me.
But watching the defenders of both Croatia and Saudi Arabia they look very big. Won’t they use their big size to stop you?
I watched the left full backs of both teams and as long as Azeez and Ajagun give me good passes, I will dribble past them and I believe I will score another goal on Wednesday against Croatia.
Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia was at the stadium to watch the Guatemala game. Do you think you did enough for him to consider you for his team?
I did not know he was watching the game till after the game. My target is to play well again and score for him to consider me. I believe he will personally call me after the match against Croatia. It is always my dream to play for the Super Eagles.
Finally, how are you coping with the weather and the food in Armenia?
The food is okay. But players like Ajagun, Kenneth and myself are struggling a bit with our breathing maybe because of the altitude. But we all believe that by the next game we would all have adjusted.
Articles
EDAFE EGBEDI DECLARES...‘I target U20 World Cup top scorer’
Category: Sports Written by - Hits: 719
You have started the U20 World Cup on a super note with two goals and an assist against Guatemala on Sunday. How do you feel?
EDAFE EGBEDI: I’m very happy. Before the match, I had the feeling I will score and God made it possible for me to do so, not once but twice.Who would you dedicate these goals to?
First to God, then all Nigerians and then my friends and family particularly my mother. She prayed for favour from God for me before this tournament and prophesised good things for me in Colombia. I love her.
You also did a dance after both goals. Can you tell us more about this dance?
It’s the dance performed by our second goalkeeper Kazim Yekini right from the time we were in Portugal. He does it anytime when we meet as a team to pray in the night. He said I should do the dance for him when I score. And when I scored, I did it for him to honour God.
You also featured at the 2009 FIFA U17 World Cup. How many goals did you score?
I scored three goals.
How does the U17 World Cup compare to the U20 World Cup?
There is a big difference between the two. At the U20 World Cup, they play a far matured game as it is to be expected, allowing one more space to express himself.
You are currently without a club, yet you were not match rusty against Guatemala.
God gave me the power and I also worked very hard, sometimes doing extra fitness exercises in my room.
I live in Warri and so I also train with Warri Wolves, for both their main and feeder teams. Sometimes even play friendly matches for them.
What targets have you set for yourself at Colombia 2011?
First, for us to win the World Cup. Secondly, for me to get a club in Europe and I also wish to finish as the top scorer of the tournament with five, six goals.
Do you have any club in mind?
Whatever club God chooses for me, I will go, but I would prefer a club in Europe.
You are the smallest in the Flying Eagles at only 1.62 metres. Does size count in football?
No it does not. If it did, (Ramon) Azeez and I would not be here.
You need to be mentally strong, fit, have speed, skills and be intelligent to be a good player. The coach picked me in his final squad because I merited it and my size did not stop me.
But watching the defenders of both Croatia and Saudi Arabia they look very big. Won’t they use their big size to stop you?
I watched the left full backs of both teams and as long as Azeez and Ajagun give me good passes, I will dribble past them and I believe I will score another goal on Wednesday against Croatia.
Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia was at the stadium to watch the Guatemala game. Do you think you did enough for him to consider you for his team?
I did not know he was watching the game till after the game. My target is to play well again and score for him to consider me. I believe he will personally call me after the match against Croatia. It is always my dream to play for the Super Eagles.
Finally, how are you coping with the weather and the food in Armenia?
The food is okay. But players like Ajagun, Kenneth and myself are struggling a bit with our breathing maybe because of the altitude. But we all believe that by the next game we would all have adjusted.