Hapoel Be’er Sheva of Israel midfielder, John Ugochukwu Ogu says he remains committed to the Super Eagles, despite not getting to play a single match of the World Cup, ahead of which he looked good in all their build-up friendlies.
Though the former Academica de Coimbra of Portugal towering left-footer admitted he would have loved to play some minutes of Nigeria’s three matches, Ogu stressed that he is not holding any regrets over his shutout by the gaffer, Gernot Rohr, and would readily honour another invitation to the team.
Ogu, who was one of seven players unused by Rohr at the tournament before the Eagles crashed out in the group stages, admitted that the exit, but added that there were lessons learnt by the players, crew and officials.
He has now turned his focus to club engagements with the Israeli champions, for which he scored three goals in 29 league games last season, and helped the club retain their title a record third time.
The Camels will face Estonian outfit, Flora in their first qualifying round first leg tie away next Tuesday and Ogu says he is already looking forward to the game
Ogu said: “The World Cup was a great tournament and I am happy to be part of it. I am still ready as ever to represent my country despite not playing but now I have to focus on my team’s (Hapoel Beer Sheva) UEFA Champions League qualification game.
“We have not reached the group stage of the UEFA Champions league in a while and in the last four seasons we have come close. So this time, aside defending the title that is another objective.”
