Hapoel Be’er Sheva of Israel midfielder, John Ugochukwu Ogu has declared that he would gladly take up any challenge and play a part in the Super Eagles’ last group match against Argentina, but believes every other player in the Nigerian team is ready for the game.
While showering accolades on Eagles’ technical adviser, Gernot Rohr for his change of tactics that ensured the team best Iceland last Friday, the former Academica de Coimbra of Portugal towering star said anyone selected to start for Nigeria on Tuesday would do a good job of sending Argentina out early from Russia 2018.
Ogu hinted that he would love to play a role in the game on Tuesday, but stressed that all the players are ready for the make or mar fixture against the Argentines.
Speaking on arrival in St. Petersburg with the team late Sunday, Ogu said none of the lads complained that they were put through two training sessions after the victory on Friday against Iceland, but says everyone is in good spirit.
Ogu also disclosed that Rohr’s words inspired the team’s change of zeal in the second half against Iceland and pointed out that the Franco-German coach likes to win all the time.
He retorted: “I think we have a manager who is very tough; a manager who wants to win and always wants the best for the players.
“Iceland, were very physical and strong. We didn’t really do badly. But I think that we came out in the second half to play.
“After the first half, he told us things that we the players felt could really help us. That’s what we did and that’s what helped us to score.
“The manager made us believe we could do it and that’s why we did it. We had two training sessions after the game against Iceland and everyone is in good spirit.
“We are looking forward to this game against Argentina because we know that if we win, it could change our lives as football players.
“The truth is that we are ready. For me, it’s a dream come true. I missed out at the last World Cup but today I’m here hoping I get the minutes to play.
“I’m so excited to be here, representing my country in the World Cup. I want to put smiles on the faces of every Nigerian through my performance on the pitch.
“It’s a big achievement for me. I just want to help the country. I still want more. Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a player that gives everything on the pitch.
“If I’m on the pitch, I play for the fans and the manager before playing for myself. I’m a fighter, I always want to play and I always want to win.
“But, if I don’t get to play, I feel the manager knows what’s good for the team and we have players doing well too. So I will keep working.”
