INTERVIEW – Odey: My Super Eagles Time Will Come, Serious Work Continues

FC Zurich forward, Stephen Odey featured in the maiden Complete Sports Celebrity Workout on December 29 2018 at the The Palms Lekki in Lagos. He spoke to Complete Sports’ Sulaiman Alao about the fitness event, his club career and his national team ambition. Excerpts …

COMPLETE SPORTS: Thank you for finding time to attend the Complete Sports Celebrity Workout?

STEPHEN ODEY: It’s a pleasure to come for the workout. I like the idea because it’s about keeping fit which is good for me as a footballer. It’s something I can’t ignore because it’s good for me and everyone who is here to take part. I do appreciate Complete Sports for inviting me.

You now ply your football trade at FC Zurich in Switzerland after making a great impact on the domestic scene. So far, how has the season been for you?

 It’s been a very good season for me especially in the first half of the season. It is my second season in Switzerland with FC Zurich and I’m happy that I am doing even better at the club. I have scored six goals already in the league and have also scored two goals in the Europa League. I want to keep working hard to do even better during the second half of the season and hopefully win a trophy at the end of the season.

How is life generally in Switzerland for Odey, and what do you do in your spare time when you’re not playing football?

 Switzerland is a very good country and the people are very friendly and accommodating. There are several things to do. For instance, after training, I sometimes go sightseeing because there are so many interesting places to see. I also attend language classes to learn the language (laughs). And sometimes too, I hang out with some of my teammates.

Also Read: Echiejile: Nigerians Should Keep Fit, Complete Sports Spot On With Celebrity Workout

The Super Eagles couldn’t go beyond the first round at the World Cup in Russia. How did you feel about it?

Going out in the first round at the last World Cup in Russia was not what we all expected. However, I believe we all know that the players did their very best and I think they should be commended. Playing at the World Cup is the dream of every player and if you are selected to be part of the team to represent your country, you will be very proud. I think our players fought really hard and gave their best and I can only hope we do better next time when hopefully, I would be part of the team.

Nigeria bounced back to qualify for the Nations Cup in style after missing the last two editions. How excited are you about this?

I’m very excited like every Nigerian and I am very happy that we have qualified for the Nations Cup this time around. Nigeria is my country, and I will always root for the Super Eagles. I remember we were champions the last time we featured at the competition in 2013 and has missed the last two editions. It will be good if we can go on to reclaim the trophy. I believe we have a very good team, a very good coach and with luck, we can go all the way to win it again.

Won’t you like to be part of the squad to the Nations Cup?

Of course, as a player, I would love to be part of the team but then, Nigeria is blessed with lots of very good players. On my part, I can only continue to work hard and I believe when my time comes, I will be part of the team.

We are now in the January transfer window. Are you looking to seal a move away from Switzerland?

Odey: FC Zurich is still my club and I am very happy playing for them.