Having
distinguished himself in the Tunisian League with his mesmerizing
skills, CS Sfaxien midfielder, Kingsley Sokari shares his thoughts in
this interview with Soccernet.com.ng’s Augustine Akhilomen from his base
in Tunisia, on the Super Eagles chances against the Chipolopolo in the
2018 World Cup qualifier in Ndola and his hope of making a comeback into
the team.
How would you describe your performance with CS Sfaxien so far this season?
The
season just started and we have won two games and drawn one. However,
all the players are working very hard to ensure that we win the league
title this season. Last season, we narrowly lost the title to Etoile du
Sahel, something we don’t want to repeat again.
Talking
about last season, you only managed to score a few goals and made
few assists for your team. What could have been the problem?
I
scored three goals for my team considering the fact that I joined the
team in the second stanza of the league. Besides, the need to adjust to
new environment after leaving the Nigeria league also affected me but
then I tried my best to prove my worth in the team. In all, it has not
been easy but I appreciate the support and love I got from my teammates
and club fans.
Is there any difference between the Nigerian league and the Tunisian league?
Yes
of course! In terms of organization, professionalism and packaging, the
Tunisian league is more advance than the Nigerian league. The system
could be compared to that of the European leagues because the clubs pay
more attention on their player’s welfare. For me, this is just a
stepping stone to a greater success in my football career.
Do you feel pressure with the tag ‘New Iniesta’?
I
don’t think I feel any pressure because my aim has always been to give
my best whenever I am called upon to represent my club or country. It is
just because of the way I play for Enyimba that’s why my fans gave me
the name new ‘Iniesta’.
So what has been your toughest moment in the Tunisian league?
Wooow!
It was when we lost the league title at home to Etoile du Sahel after
playing 1-1. Within my mind, I felt we deserve to win the title
considering the facts that we played better football than Etoile.
Sometimes the better team doesn’t win a match and I believe one day our
efforts shall be crowned with success.
Coaches of the senior national team have failed to extend a call up to you. Do you feel disappointed?
I
don’t feel disappointed because we have so many players and the
national team is for every good player. But as for me, I just need to be
doing well always because I believe my time will still come.
Do
you think you need to do anything special to get the attention of the
Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Genort Rohr for subsequent World Cup
qualifiers?
Score
more goals and keeping being on my best each game, and most important
think to move from here to a better club in Europe. With that, I believe
I can get the attention of the Super Eagles technical adviser.
Can Nigeria beat Zambia on October 9 in Ndola?
Yes,
we can. We have the best of players and also a young team and all our
invited players are the best we have for now. Besides, majority of the
players are doing well in their respective clubs in Europe.
Don’t you think Odion Ighalo’s absence could affect the team?
I
don’t think so. There is no argument that he is a very important player
for us but we still have other strikers who can fit into his position.
Players such as Isaac Success, Brown Ideye and Kelechi Iheanacho could
shoulder the goal responsibility for the team against Zambia.
In that regard, do you think attacking will be the best option for the team against Zambia?
Well,
it all depends on the choice of the coach but I will suggest we attack
them if the team must get a result in Lusaka. With the calibers of
players in our disposal, nothing short of the three points will be a
good result for the team.
Can Nigeria qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia?
Yes we can because we have what it takes to qualify.