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Today makes it exactly 10 years since the Super Eagles last won the AFCON in South Africa. In this interview with JOHNNY EDWARD, Bahrain-based midfielder Ogenyi Onazi, a member of the squad, opens up on the team’s road to glory a decade ago
What was it like when you broke into the team prior to the tournament in South Africa?
It was not an easy thing because as at that point in time, there were a lot of good players in the team and the coach had a lot of quality options. I was very young when I came into the team and I knew that it was not going to be easy getting into the starting team because there were a lot of senior players playing in my position at that time. But I was patient for the right time and opportunity to play. So, when the list was announced for the AFCON tournament in South Africa and I was there, I was excited because I really worked very hard to earn my place. It has always been my dream to represent Nigeria at the senior level after playing for the U-17 and U-20 teams.
You made your AFCON debut coming on for Fegor Ogude in the 70th minute as the Eagles drew 1-1 in their opening game against Burkina Faso. What was the feeling like?
It was another wonderful feeling for me because before that game, I had made two appearances for the Eagles. I was so happy getting on to the pitch that day. We were unlucky not to have won that game.
The second game against Zambia, you played as a right-back. Were you disappointed you didn’t get a chance to play in your preferred midfield role?
No, I wasn’t. The coach then, ‘Big Boss’ Stephen Keshi, may his soul rest in peace, called me to his room and told me that he wanted a big favour from me and do Nigerians a big honour as well. And I asked, ‘What is it?’ He said, ‘In this game today (against Zambia), I want you to play as a right-back, would you be able to do that?’ And I said, ‘For sure, even if you want me to be the goalkeeper, I will do it with all pleasure, I will take the responsibility.’ He thanked me and told me that he believed I would do it for him, and I would do it very well. I never hesitated, I took the responsibility and I went out to do what I knew how to do best.
You conceded a penalty that earned Zambia a point after fouling Emmanuel Mayuka. Were you disappointed after the game?
I was very bitter after that game because that decision was very harsh. We both contested for an aerial ball and the referee awarded them a penalty. It was never a penalty.
Were you angry that you cost the team three points and were you blamed by the coaches?
Of course, I was not happy we did not win, but I was not blamed for that by anyone; as a team, we stayed united together.
After two draws in your first two group fixtures, were there fears that the Eagles could exit the tournament from the first round?
We had a lot of disagreements after the opening two games. Of course, even the internet and media buried us, tagging us ‘draw soup Eagles.’ The pressure was so much that we fought each other, but later realised that the infighting won’t result in anything good. Instead, we decided to channel that energy to the last group game against Ethiopia, which was a must-win for us. We did that and defeated Ethiopia 2-0, then our AFCON boat started to sail.
Ivory Coast was next for the Eagles in the quarter-finals, but the media was awash with reports of the Nigerian Football Federation already booking tickets for the players to return to their base because they didn’t believe that the Eagles would beat the Ivorians. What was the camp situation ahead of the crucial game?
Before the game, we also had a misunderstanding and let me clarify some statements made in the past. The NFF did not book tickets for us, they only asked us where players in the team would be going next if the team exited the tournament. According to them, they needed to plan ahead. When I was asked where I would be heading to should we lose, I never told them where I was going because I believed so much that we didn’t just come to South Africa to participate in the tournament; we had to return to Nigeria with a medal. Prior to the game, we had a meeting and ‘The Big Boss’ told us that the Ivory Coast clash will determine our stay. He reminded us how we were already written off by Nigerians back home and that if we wanted to prove them right, we should do whatever we liked on the pitch. He also told us to show character and turn things around to let Nigerians know that we were a bunch of talented players ready to set new records at the AFCON. The players also had another meeting to analyse the Ivorians player-for-player and the names of Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure and the late Cheik Tiote kept recalling. We knew their qualities, but we believed we could knock them out.
We went into that game with the mindset that it was a do-or-die and that if we beat the Ivorians we were headed for the final. When the game started, it was a different spirit we started off, with an awesome energy that the Ivorian team could not curtail from the start. After that victory, we knew we were heading to the final. We suddenly started to believe.
Beating Ivory Coast gave us the extra boost before we faced Mali. We were so confident, in fact, maybe I should say even overconfident that we would beat the Malians and reach the final. The entire team was prepared to fight for that AFCON trophy. I told some of my teammates prior to the final that ‘since we are here, we just have to kill ourselves and take this cup home.’ The Big Boss had little to do from that point because he just gave instructions and sat down and we did our thing. It was an amazing feeling winning the AFCON. It’s something that every member of that team remains proud of. There are so many great players in this country who didn’t win the AFCON. So, it’s an honour for me to be counted as one of the few Nigerian players to have won it. It’s a pride for me.
Where does the AFCON medal rank in your medal gallery?
The AFCON medal ranks top among all the titles I have won as a footballer. I have won other titles like the Coppa Italia with Lazio and the Lithuanian League title but the AFCON remains the biggest ever.
Who was the funniest player in the squad in South Africa?
Azubuike Egwekwe was the clown that squad had. If he steps into your room, you will start laughing. Regardless of what you are doing, the comment he makes will make you fall off your feet. He is a very funny human being.
What was it like playing alongside Mikel Obi in the Eagles midfield?
For me it’s a privilege to play alongside Mikel. We grew up in the same area in Jos, and when he signed for Chelsea, he was one player we were looking up to. He did a lot for us back home, bringing back things as little as boots for us in Jos and we emulated that gesture now that we have the opportunity. Back then we all wanted to watch Chelsea games because of Mikel. I never imagined I would play alongside him in the Super Eagles.