Onyekuru plans strong AFCON performance to make up for Russia 2018 world cup absence

April 03 17:06 2019 by The Ajasa News Print This Article

Joan Iwuchukwu (Senior Reporter)

Super Eagles rising attacker, Henry Onyekuru is still reeling in the pains of missing out of the 2018 FIFA World cup in Russia and has vowed to stay fit and in form ahead of the forth coming Africa cup of Nations billed to hold in the country of Egypt this year.

In a exclusive interview with www.theajasanews.com, Onyekuru who unceremoniously missed out of the world cup through a long term injury he sustained few months before the mundial noted that he does not want to go through such experience again.  

“At first I was disappointed missing out of the world cup in Russia, because as a young player it is always a dream come through playing at the biggest stage of world football. I had every good chance of making the world cup team because I was playing and scoring goals well for my club. But unfortunately, the injury came and there was nothing I could do about it. I tried everything to be fit for the world cup but it just did not happen and when I saw that it was not going to happen I gave up hope and decided to support the team,”

Looking ahead to the Africa cup of Nations, Onyekuru expressed confidence in the ability of the Super Eagles to perform very well at the tournament.

“My number one target is to be among the player that would be selected by the coach. I pray to have a good tournament, not only me but the whole team, because if we are united and play as a team we have a great chance of winning the Nations cup again for Nigeria. I just pray to contribute my own quota to the team to be able to put up a good show. I still missed not going to the world cup, so going to the Nations cup and doing well is my ultimate goal,”

The player who is on loan from English premiership side, Everton to Turkish top team, Galatarsaray fc however noted that the task will not be easy considering the quality of teams that would be coming to the tournament. But he stressed that the Super Eagles will definitely not be intimidated.

“We appreciate the fact that Africa boasts of several top teams, but much as we have respect for them we are not threatened at all. What you must know is that we are also a threat to them because we have a very young team with much talent, experience and a very good coach. The only key is for us to keep working hard and stay out of injury,” he concluded.