Several Super Eagles’ stars have taken the time to voice their sentiments after Nigeria’s provisional 30-man list for the 2014 Fifa World Cup finals in Brazil was made public on Tuesday.
Midfielder, Sunday Mba was first to speak to supersport.com.
Mba was impressive at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa where he scored winning goals in the team’s quarterfinal and final games against the Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso respectively.
He joined French Ligue 2 side CA Bastia in January but failed to prevent the club’s relegation and with many questioning his move to France’s second tier, it was thought that his international future was in doubt.
Such fear has now been effectively quashed with Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi handing out a call up to the gifted 25-year-old who struggled to contain his joy at the news.
“I was preparing for our (Bastia’s Ligue 2) game against Clermont Foot on Tuesday night when I heard the news. I screamed and laughed at the same time as my puzzled teammates asked what the matter was,” Mba said yesterday.
He said nothing has been decided as he still had to work hard to seal his place in the final 23-man squad.
“The midfielders in the list are exceptional players. (John Obi) Mikel, Ogenyi Onazi and the others….it is clear everyone called up will need to fight (for his place).
“This is the World Cup we are talking about here and if you don’t prove yourself, the coaches will have no option but to drop you.
“I want to thank the coach for his confidence in me. I also want to assure Nigerians that I will not disappoint them,” he concluded.
Academica de Coimbra midfielder, John Ogu was surprisingly left out of the provisional list but he adopted a philosophical approach when he took to Twitter to discuss the development.
“Gutted I didn’t Make the preliminary Squad. Nigeria is blessed with a lot of players. We all can’t make (the) list. Every player wants to be at the World Cup.
“I want to thank Coach Keshi for the opportunities he gave me. I remain Grateful for all, for he made my dream come through as a as a player to serve my great nation, which am always proud of.
“Thanks everyone for your support. Please let’s pray for the lads. Let’s support the team as much as we can because I believe in the managers and the squad selected. We are family. I’ll come back stronger.
“And also thanks to the Football Federation NFF for their support to the Countries Football. God Bless the Super Eagles.
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