Osaze-Bred to be a doctor

Osaze Odemwingie was virtually an unknown player before the 2004 cup of nations in Tunisia, but the fact that he scored the goal that qualified Nigeria for the nations cup against Angola, forced the jury to come out asking questions on his ability to shine at the 24th African cup of nations.

Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to a Nigerian father and Russian mother in 1981, Odemwingie moved to Nigeria as a two-year-old. The Super Eagles new kid sensation; in a No-hold- barred interview let Nigeriasports.com into his Tunisia 2004 experience, his goal scoring prowess and some little secrets in his life.

Nigeriasports.com: Two quick goals against Bafana Bafana launched you into the big league; the question is…do you think you are ready for the big league?

Osaze: Sure, even making the Nigerian team to the nation’s cup is a big achievement on its own even if you don’t play. In addition, if you can play at the same level and make something others at your age cannot do. So being part of the team is already a big achievement and I am really happy that things have gone well for me. I believe I have the right attitude towards the game, which is to go for it and make the best of the situation.

Nigeriasports.com: With the latest development, do you still sulk over your playing as an alternative player at the 2002 World cup?

Osaze: No never! I never regretted anything in my life, even last year I could have signed with a before the La Louviere deal came on but am glad at what happened because I don’t know what faith has in store for me so every thing has it’s own time and I believe in patience you don’t have to rush things, may be the time you are not ready to play they put you there and you don’t perform, that will affect you seriously also you go to a big team and you don’t get to play for two seasons , that can bring you down… no need to force things ,it will come easy at the right time and when it gets to that time you will feel it.

Nigeriasports.com: On the day you came in to replace Kanu and got a brace, Kanu referred to you as the new wonder boy; didn’t you feel that a baton was being passed to you?

Osaze: Not passed to me in that sense because they are still here in the team with us, we are all together and it is a good thing that I can be part of the success and am also part of the group that has brought happiness and joy to the faces of Nigerians, but I think the message is for me to work harder and I should be able to learn how not to let people down.

Nigeriasports.com: So can Osaze play the new Okocha or Kanu?

Osaze: Yes definitely, from their words you will know that am okay, and I have learnt from them that if you’ve got a little talent all you need to do is to work hard and learn from every situation, you can see that they have achieved a lot from playing football yet they are still humble and ready to learn.
I will be looking and learning from them, I will be humble and ready to learn from them, I will keep my head cool and low. Because there is never a limit to achievement in life. We were sitting in a meeting with Okocha the other day and Jay Jay told us that really when you play football you get to see that there is no limit. That when you win the world cup two times you want to win the third one. So it is never enough if you can be consistent in five nations cup tournament, if you can do it why stop at two.

Nigeriasports.com: Is it a coincidence that you scored twice against South Africa on your debut?

Osaze: It was not as if I was not expecting it, I have always set my mind on great event like this. It was really something great but the biggest joy I had was that it happened when millions were watching live from Nigeria.

Nigeriasports.com: In April 2002 you made your debut against Kenya and people described you as a rookie, do you think Osaze the rookie has come of age?

Osaze: Sure by that time I was not where I am today. Since then I have been playing in Europe, I have been more consistent with the national team, I have been around big players and that alone gives you extra confidence. My team plays in Uefa cup that means our side is a good team, am still young and getting more professional. I have few years to get to that top flight level. So in all there is still a lot of work to do.

Nigeriasports.com: How did you feel losing that penalty kick against Tunisia in the semi final game?

Osaze: It was a nightmare. I could not sleep all through the night; the event keeps replaying itself in my head. I asked what I didn’t do right. I chose my spot like we are always asked to but I was shocked he saved it. Coach came and talk to me in my room but I was too angry with myself but Jay Jay changed all that when he talked like a big brother and I had to move on. It was a relieve to get that goal in the third place against Mali but I wished it came during the semi final game (Laughs) but things happen in life that you cannot change.

Nigeriasports.com: At the national team level which player is your role model?

Osaze: Let me say I learn from the skills of Kanu, which often see me being calm in front of goal and the 18 yard box. I learn to see, look round the field and motivate the players like Okocha, and I learn the attitude of being tough from Julius … so these three great players are my role model in the Super Eagles. Most times when I play in my team I remember Julius and it pushes me to be tough. So I want to combine the three attributes of these great players.

Nigeriasports.com: Was football your choice growing up in life?

[photo alt="A rookie in Belgium" width=200 height=200 align=right]Osaze[/photo]

Osaze: Not at all, am from a family of two doctors, my parents are medical doctors. I remember the question stood up before me, what am I going to do … So they gave me two to three years after secondary school to see what is going on in football but all I wanted is football and so far they have given me all the encouragement, but I know if not for football I would have been a Doctor.

Nigeriasports.com: Is it true that you actually started with a football academy in Russia?

Osaze: Yes, three actually, but the two major ones were Kamask and CSKA Moscow. I learnt the rudiments and basics of football there.

Nigeriasports.com: Why didn’t you play for Russia or the opportunity never came?

Osaze: My heart has always been with the Nigerian team, and my father had always wanted me to play for Nigeria. I see myself more Nigerian than Russian and am sure my Mom would understand this deeply…laughs

Nigeriasports.com: How far can Osaze go in football?

Osaze: I can be Okocha. I can be anything am destined to be and my goal and ambition is to stay focused and emerge a footballer people would want to emulate.

Nigeriasports.com: Few weeks after, how much impact has the nations cup played in your life?

Osaze: So much, I am well known now, I am getting so much attention in the Belgian league more than before. Offers are coming from France, Italy, Germany and Spain. I am glad I could attract so much attention but I need to keep my head up. It is difficult to get on top of greatness but easier to drop down the ladder.