Draws for the 2014 FIFA World Cup have been made with Super Eagles logged with Argentina, Bosnia and Iran in group F. What an easy group or what do you think?
Yeah, my prayers before now have been that the Super Eagles should get an easy group so they can navigate their way through to the second round. I think God has answered my prayers. Yes, Argentina and Bosnia are top teams but I believe Super Eagles will qualify from the group which is what we want.
Papilo, that sounds you are pleased Super Eagles eventually avoided hosts, Brazil and defending champions Spain?
Nobody would want to be in the same group with the hosts if it comes to choice. Brazil are the hosts and also a strong team. Spain are also current champions. Not that we're afraid of them but we can only respect them and I'm sure they too will respect us. But it’s good we were not in the same group so that when we eventually meet at some stage of the competition, our boys would have garnered confidence.
So you're confident Eagles will qualify from the group...
Why not, the World Cup has already started though one would say it’s still six months away. With sustained preparation, why not? The first match is very important and, of course, yes, they will qualify ahead of Bosnia and Iran.
You mean Argentina and Nigeria will come through from group F?
Yeah, though Bosnia is not a cheap team but yes Eagles will overcome them.
So what is your target for the Eagles at the World Cup, quarter final or semi final?
(Laughs) Quarter final or semi final, why not, we can get there if we work hard like I said before and believe in ourselves. Yes if we believe. At the same time we've to work hard by preparing very well. This is World Cup, not a friendly game. We don't have to say we still have time to start preparation. If we put our acts together, prepare well and have that self belief, why not, semi final is not an impossible target.
As a former Super Eagles captain who has previously played at the World Cup, what are the basic ingredients needed by the Super Eagles for a positive performance in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil?
Hard work, focus, concentration and belief. There's need for hard work in terms of preparation before and during the championship. The players must remain focused and concentrate on the assignment. World Cup is the height of players’ career and every one aspires for it though not everyone will be lucky to be part of it so if you are lucky to get the opportunity, you give it your best and above all, you must believe in yourself, in your ability and quality.
Would you be surprised to hear that even the Brazilians dreaded the Eagles remembering what the U-23 Olympic team you captained did to them during Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games?
Like I said earlier, we respect them because of what they have achieved in the game and at the same time, we should not be afraid of any team. Yeah, they too should show us some respect. I know the Brazilians are still pained by our victory over them in 1996 in Atlanta during the Olympics semi final match. I remember during the Confederations Cup in Brazil what they posted behind one of the goal posts about me and the 1996 Olympic Games. That shows they are still remembering that game, that great moment.
In the final stage of preparation for the World Cup certainly one would expect Keshi to call up some of the players doing well in their clubs but who were not part of the qualification series, players like captain Joseph Yobo, Ik Uche among others. Or what's your opinion?
Why not, they are Nigerians so they are eligible to play for their country as long as they are in shape. Yobo is captain of the team and is doing fine for his club, Fenerbahce. Ikechukwu Uche is also doing well at Villareal scoring goals but it is down to the coach (Keshi) to determine who comes in or not. He only decides if he needs more players or not but ours is to support and respect his decision. Yes, Yobo is experienced and deserves to be there, same as Ik Uche and others but the manager has the final say.
Papilo disclosed.
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