CS Sfaxin and former Enyimba FC midfielder, Kingsley Sokari bares his mind in this exclusive interview with SOCCERNET.COM.NG’s AUGUSTINE AKHILOMEN from his base in Tunisia, on why South Africa don’t have the firepower to overcome the Super Eagles in Uyo on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium; insist the team will miss Mikel Obi and wants the Technical adviser, Gernot Rohr to use Akpeyi in goal
Nigeria will play South Africa on Saturday in a 2019 Nations Cup qualifier. What do you think about the game?
It a great game but South Africa have not beaten us before and we have a good and very young team that can get the job done for us in Uyo. I believe we will win. I don’t think Bafana Bafana can stop Super Eagles’ dream of qualifying for the Nations Cup in 2019.
You sound so confident about the Super Eagles beating South Africa. Why?
Because we have a solid squad blessed with youth and experience. I know they won’t disappoint Nigerians on match day proper.
But the South Africans also have a crop of exciting young players in their squad too?
Yes, I know but we have the best players that can get the job done right now compare to the South African team.
Mind you, the South Africans denied Nigeria from qualifying for the 2017 AFCON tournament. Don’t you think they can do the same thing again?
Impossible!
Why?
Because they have not beaten us in as many games that I know we have met in a competitive game.
But don’t you foresee an upset in Uyo?
It will be difficult but we will win.
However, don’t you feel worried that you have not been invited to the Super Eagles despite your good form with CS Sfaxin?
I am not worried because everyone has his own time. My concern right now is to see the Super Eagles continue to excel in all their games. I think that’s the most important thing for me.
Talking about time, a player in the Egyptian league, Zamalek is part of the team.
I have watched him play against Enyimba and I believe he is a good player. His time is now and I wish him good luck. I also believe his invitation will open more doors for us.
Besides, don’t you think the Super Eagles Will Miss Mikel and Carl Ikeme against South Africa?
For sure! However, the team will miss Mikel Obi because his presence always influences matches for the team.
Why Mikel alone? Are you saying Ikeme won’t be missed?
I think Mikel is our biggest and experienced player and the best we have for now. As for Ikeme, we have the likes of Ezenwa, Alampasu, and Akpeyi to fill his space.
So between the three goalkeepers, you mentioned, who would you prefer to be in goal against South Africa?
For me, anyone can be in d goal considering the fact that they are good goalkeepers.
Fine. But stick your neck on one goalkeeper.
I believe in Daniel Akpeyi.
Why Daniel Akpeyi?
Because he knows them very well since he plays in the South African league. Mind you, the last time we played them in South Africa, he was wonderful.
That’s true. How would you feel if you received a call from Gernot Rohr to feature against Cameroon or subsequent matches?
Dreams come through.
Meaning?
I will be very happy and great because that’s every player dreams to play for their country.
Former super eagles coach, Stephen Keshi completed one year after his death on June 7. What do you think of Keshi?
A great man who gave me my first experience in the Super Eagles. He gave the Home Based players the chance to prove their worth and I miss him so much. May his soul continue to Rest In Peace.
