I can help Eagles quest for AFCON glory – Osayi

Osayi



Doma United goalkeeper, Kingdom Osayi, opens up on his clean sheets secret, playing in the NPFL and his Eagles dream in this interview with JOHNNY EDWARD

You have 11 clean sheets in 15 Nigeria Premier Football League games this season. What is the secret?

My secret has been God all the way but if you add hard work to it, I’d say yes as well. But my secret has been God and my teammates, from the defenders to the midfielders and strikers. They all have made it so easy for me this season. It’s not easy playing in the Nigerian Premier Football League because it’s one of the hardest leagues in Africa and globally

Doma United were regarded as underdogs at the start of the season but you are one of the surprise packages once again, vying for the top position with the big boys…


(Cuts) Doma United’s journey in the NPFL has been top-notch. At the start of the season, as a team, we knew that we would be seen as newcomers but we tasked ourselves to always give our best in every game to get the desired results. We want to prove a point and I’m happy that we have managed to surprise every team we’ve played against and recorded some upsets, which has kept us motivated. Yeah, people have their own side of the story, their own opinion, I would say. But we just go to the field and try to get the job done. So far, we’ve been doing that.

What is it like playing under manager Onigbinde at Doma?

Yeah, playing under Onigbinde is something different. He has taken us like his children and given us the best advice and the freedom to express ourselves on the pitch. He always encourages us not to play without pressure and it has helped us a lot this season.




Looking at your form so far this season, there have been calls for your inclusion in the Eagles’ AFCON squad. Is this something that you wish for?

Playing for Nigeria at the senior level has been a dream that I have wished for right from a tender age. Of course, it will be an honour for me to make the Super Eagles squad to the AFCON in Ivory Coast, not just to be a part of the team, but also to play a role in the team’s quest to win the title for the nation once again.

With the likes of Francis Uzoho, Maduka Okoye and Ojo Olorunleke ahead in the pecking order, how confident are you dislodging one of them for a place in the team?

For me, there’s no pressure. I just hope I make the final list, that’s just my earnest prayer, but for now, I’m only focused on helping my team record another win this weekend when we face Lobi Stars.

While growing up as a young goalkeeper, who was your major inspiration?

Growing up, I used to look up to Dele Aiyenugba, though I didn’t watch most of his games when he was playing in Israel for Bnei Yehuda, but I have good memory of playing against him in Ilorin, when we faced Kwara United. I was also fortunate to have watched Femi Thomas play in the NPFL as well. These players have been such an inspiration for me.

Many football enthusiasts feel that the NPFL lacks quality players to play for the Eagles. Do you agree?


I disagree totally with that assertion. Those who make such comments don’t factor in the challenges and the conditions players in the NPFL face in their bid to express themselves to the world. Not all players who play in other leagues will survive the struggles in the Nigerian league. If they watch the NPFL, they will know for sure that there are a lot of quality players in the league. We’ve been able to adapt despite the conditions we find ourselves in the league. And we’ve been able to manage the situation. And if you remember vividly, the last Nations Cup which we won in South Africa, we had about six players from the NPFL who played pivotal roles in the Eagles winning the title. If you check Nigeria’s history at the AFCON, you see that home-base players have given a good account of themselves at the tournament.

What are the challenges players in the NPFL face?

For me, I feel there is still room for improvement and development. As you can see, there is growth in the league. Fans can now stream games online, which gives the league more visibility globally. The officiating has also improved. Some of the major challenges players face playing in the NPFL, for me is the long distance they spend on the roads when they travel for away games and the fact that they have to play on some pitches that are not too good.

What are your ambitions as a footballer?

I have a lot of them in the short term and the long term. I hope to make the Nigeria squad for the AFCON and also help Doma United secure a place in next season’s CAF competitions. I also hope to play in Europe at some point in my career.

With the league back on TV, is this a boost for you?

Yes, it is and that is why many Nigerians know about my exploits and performance in the league. I’m always happy and fired up when I know that Doma United’s games will be aired on TV because fans will be able to judge players’ performances correctly and also give good verdicts.




Which league in Europe would you love to play in?

I will accept any good offer from Europe at the moment because I still have a lot to learn. My dream is to play in Spain because their football style suits me perfectly. With Doma United, we build our play from the back and that means me having the ball on my feet most times during games. This is one style I hope to develop more and playing in LaLiga will further enhance these skills of mine.

On Monday Victor Osimhen was voted the CAF African Footballer of The Year. Do you think this can inspire the Eagles to AFCON glory in Ivory Coast?

Osimhen’s award on Monday is a good omen for Nigerian football. I believe his triumph will rub off on the Eagles at the AFCON. He is the best striker on the continent at the moment and I pray he stays fit to lead the team to another triumph in Ivory Coast.