There are many expectations for the Super Eagles team as they are expected to win their fourth African Cup of Nations title
Former Nigeria U-17 striker Wisdom Ubani has revealed that he is not yet ready for the pressure that comes with playing for the Super Eagles national team, Soccernet.ng reported.
Ubani, who previously played for NK Lokomotiv, scored three goals in five games under coach Manu Garba in the 2019 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, contributing significantly to the team’s qualification for the World Cup. . This year.
In an exclusive interview with Soccernet.ng, Ubani, currently at Croatian club NK Kustosia, reflected on the standout moments of the Under-17 season and his hopes for the future.
Ubani looked back on his trip to Europe and revealed that he almost signed with Belgian professional soccer club R.S.C Anderlecht, but the contract fell through.
“After the U-17 World Cup, I had a trial training session with Anderlecht, but the club could not reach an agreement with my agent. It was a difficult moment. Then I moved to NK Lokomotiva. I went.”
Ubani recalled his favorite moments from the U-17 World Cup and AFCON, highlighting Nigeria’s matches against Hungary and Tanzania.
“The game against Hungary, which we won 4-2, was special. I scored a goal in that game. At AFCON, I scored a direct free-kick against Tanzania to make it 4-4.”
Abani said the following about the decisive free kick: I asked my teammates to let me shoot it and let me score. They were all surprised when it came in. ”
When asked about his preparation for the national team, Ubani admitted that he is ready for the Super Eagles team and that there is pressure that comes with playing for the team.
“I am not ready to play for the Super Eagles yet. There is a lot of pressure not only at the Golden Eaglet level but also at the senior team level. I have to be well prepared for that. Hmm.”
Looking to the future, Ubani expressed his ambitions: “If I end up playing for the Super Eagles, I want to make a difference. I dream of Nigeria reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup tournament.”
As for his role model in the national team, Ubani praised Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, saying: “I respect (Victor) Osimhen’s goal-scoring qualities and his passion on the pitch. His drive and passion are what make him different.”
Ubani says of his career goals: “I have a lot of goals, but I don’t really want to talk about them.”
Ubani revealed about his favorite English Premier League club: “I’m a Chelsea fan.”
The English Premier League is the most watched league in Nigeria and most Nigerian players hope to play in the Premier League, which is watched almost every week. When asked if he would ever play for Chelsea, he jokingly replied: “Who wouldn’t want to play for Chelsea? I’d like to take my mother there first.”
Ubani and several other members of the 2019 U-17 team may have the same idea about the pressure that comes with playing for the Super Eagles. However, the team has remained quiet since his departure in 2019, with the exception of players who still receive media attention such as Peter Olaware and Akinkunmi Amu.
