INTERVIEW: Super Eagles need prayers to succeed in Russia, says Malta-based Ifeanyi Nworah

Ifeanyi David Nworah, a former Golden Eaglet plying his trade in Malta, fancies his chances of playing for the Super Eagles at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Despite being in a tricky group, Nworah is confident the Super Eagles have the quality to make it past the first round but he says prayers are required to guarantee success.

In this Interview with TheCable, Nworah talks about his adventure in Malta, early days as a footballer, playing for Rangers International and the Golden Eaglets, as well as his dream of playing for a big team in Europe.

How are you enjoying your season in the Maltese league?

So far so good for me. Everything is going on well for me in Malta. I think I am achieving exactly what I want to achieve- to have more playing time. Having played in Morocco and Oman, to play in Europe has been my dream. Starting from Malta is a nice thing for me. My performance is going well and I am helping the team.

How did you make the Rangers feeder team and the Golden Eaglets squad in 2010?

I started from Solute Football Academy in Onitsha [and] from there I went to Rangers feeders team. I was also training with Rangers’ main team, I played FA Cup with them and coach Alphonsus Dike took me from there to U17 coach Monday Odigwe. I was there for trials,  made the team and was one of the key players. I played all the friendly games and qualifiers. It was my first experience as a professional but a disappointing one because we didn’t qualify for the African Youth Championship then. Afterwards, I went back to my academy, then later joined Gabros International in the amateur league and gained promotion to Pro 1 before Ifeanyi Ubah bought the team.

Tell us about your move to Olympics Club de Safis 

I got an offer from Morocco because they saw my games in the U17. For you to play in Morocco you must have played in the national team. I played like three friendly games with them and I was 16 at the time. I was with the first team but I was playing with the reserve team because they were playing a league too. I scored about five goals for them and some assists. I played with them for about two years, I got promoted to play with the first team. My first experience with them was when the team was facing relegation. They gave me a chance to play against Hassaina Agadir and we won the game 1-0. I made a lot of impact on the game. So, that was how I stayed with the first team.

What is your natural position; central or attacking midfield?

My main position is defensive midfield. Sometimes, I play as an attacking midfielder. You can say I am more or less a box to box or central midfielder. It all depends on the coach I am playing under. I play more defensive and I push the attack on my own. I go into the attacking position when I am playing with two defensive midfielders.

How far can the Super Eagles go at the World Cup in Russia?

The Super Eagles’ group in the World Cup is a strong one. I think the team that will be a major challenge is Argentina. With the quality of the present squad, I believe that Nigeria will make it out of the group. It’s a good team with good coaching crew.

Do you think you stand any chance of getting into the team?

So far so good, I am happy with where I am today. Whoever has the chance to play with the Super Eagles team is privileged because there are millions of players who want to play with the national team. For me, I believe that I have to work very hard to get recognised and get invited. I have been there before and I believe that I’ll be there again. It all depends on my hard work and God. But the most important thing is for everyone to support them with prayers to succeed in Russia.