I Don’t See Myself Playing In Nigerian League Again – Afolabi

 

 Afolabi, during his time at Red Bull.

A veteran of two World Cup finals, former Super Eagles defender Rabiu Afolabi, tells KAZEEM BUSARI what Nigeria must do to be among best teams in the world

Do you think you could have been a better player if not for injuries?

In high-level sports, injury is something inevitable either minor or serious and besides, football is a game of contact. But luckily, I didn’t have any that was beyond control throughout my career.

What hindered you from breaking into the first team at Napoli in 2001? Did you regret moving to Italy?

It was difficult for a young defender to break into first team in Italy at that time. The Italians are reputed to produce best defenders every time. Taribo West can testify to this. Thus, I don’t have any regret going there. On the contrary, it further enhanced my experience.

Despite being named best defender in Belgium in 2002, you didn’t get enough playing opportunity in the following season. Was it because Standard Liege wanted to sell you?

No. It was the opposite. It was the club’s strategy to drive away potential suitors who are interested in players’ signature.

Why didn’t you move to China or any of the oil rich countries before calling it quits on the pitch?

Defenders are less attractive to these Orient countries; they’d rather go for offensive foreign players and feature their home-grown defenders as they have limited number of places for foreigners in every club. But everything boils down to luck.

How genuine was Marseille’s interest in you in 2004 when you decided to stay back in Austria? Why did you not choose to move to France immediately?

That was correct, there were others as well but unfortunately the coach fell out with the management and the deal fell through. It is part of experience and that has become history.

Did you regret your move to Sochaux after the club denied you a move to Aston Villa? Or do you think it was part of what players go through at clubs?

You got that right. It’s part of what players encounter at the clubs.

You were initially linked with Burnley before moving to Salzburg in 2009. What attracted you to the offer?

Financially, the offer from Salzburg was far better than Burnley. It doesn’t make sense playing in the Premier League for peanuts and get exploited at age of 29.

Did the coming of Douglas da Silva force you out of Salzburg?

No. I was at the end of my contract; the coach and the sport director who brought me to the club also left the club the same summer. That was why I preferred to move elsewhere.

Which one of your domestic league titles do you cherish most? You won the Coupe de France, the Austrian league and the Austrian Super Cup.

I prefer the French Cup. It’s a good memory beating Olympique Marseille in the final (in 2007).

What was behind the ‘drama’ that led to your early exit from Monaco in 2012? You still had one year left on your contract before the new management allowed you to go. Why?

I was injured when the Russian billionaire bought the club in 2011 and he brought in a couple of new players and technical staff. The following year, he decided to release many players from their contract, especially those who were 30 years old and above and I was already 32 years, that’s football.

For a defender, you scored impressive goals at your clubs.

I started football as a striker at school level until my under-17 years when I was converted to playing a defensive role.

Why did you choose to move to Denmark, considering the cold climate of that region? Is Sønderjyske your best option at the time?

After couple of months being laid off with injury at Monaco, I had not much option than to get myself back into shape and continue with my career. When I received a call from my former trainer, who happened to be the coach of Sønderjyske, I grabbed the opportunity. But it was a good experience to play in the Scandinavian league.

What would you consider as your best experience at the 2002 and the 2010 World Cup finals?

The atmosphere in the stadiums when hundreds of thousands around the world watch their darling teams was second to none. It was a unique ambience. The World Cup finals were great moments in my career.

After the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana under Berti Vogts, you were less visible in the Super Eagles until Lars Lagerback brought you back for the 2010 World Cup. Would you say you were not in the good books of coach Shaibu Amodu?

Contrary to that, he (Amodu) and Stephen Keshi gave me my first senior cap with the Super Eagles in June 2000. After the 2008 Nations Cup, I decided to go on a short break to concentrate more on club football. This paid off as I garnered more experience and more playing time. I was as fit as fiddle. This must have been why Lagerback who wanted a more vibrant team, asked me to join the 2010 World Cup train.

Did your return to the team cause any disaffection among your teammates?

Not at all. I was already in the Super Eagles before many of them, and I was familiar with many. I felt at home working with all of them.

What is your assessment of the Super Eagles at the World Cup in Brazil?

I think they performed bravely by qualifying from the group stage, compared to other African teams, except Algeria, who were all eliminated at the preliminaries. Every department functioned well except for the poor finishing at the last third of the pitch. The first three matches were approached in a good and disciplined manner despite the rows over match bonuses prior to the game against France, which is not unusual. Hopefully, we can keep the team and build stability in this generation set of players.

Money issue affected the team’s performance before the game against France in Brazil. Were you familiar with this when you played in the team?

This issue has been in existence for a long time, I presume since the Green Eagles days, and it has rolled on to the Super Eagles. It is a shame that this happens only with African teams, unlike other teams from Europe and Asia. But despite that, I didn’t sense any unprofessional attitude by the players in the game (against France). They did well until the last 15 minutes when they gave up.

Do you think the Super Eagles can play like the Germany team that won the World Cup?

We are very far behind (in playing like that). There are so many aspects that connect together to bring success to a team. For example, the tactical and technical disciplines have to be perfect, mental strength and stability must be high.

How long do you think an African team can win the World Cup?

Hopefully in the nearest future; we are not so far from it but we have a lot to learn, starting from the Confederation of African Football to the various national football federations. The system must be changed.

Unlike Argentina who have Messi as their key player, Germany had none and they played better. Is it right if the Super Eagles are built around particular players?

It is not right because football is team sport, Brazil lost woefully because of their dependence on Neymar but Argentina were so lucky to have (Lionel) Messi fit throughout the tournament. Germany team are a good example in modern football, they played as a team and all their players were important to the squad.

You’re now training to be a football agent. Does it mean you’ve retired finally from active play?

I’m just weighing several options and have yet to conclude on my plans. There’re many things to do in football but I’m just looking for that right click. I have a certificate in football management and scouting. Part of the plan is to focus on talented players and management.

Sani Kaita, who became an infamous hero at the 2010 World Cup, is now playing for Enyimba in Nigeria. Do you ever consider coming back home to play for any club?

I don’t see myself playing in the Nigeria Premier League after 17 years of professional football abroad. The system I was used to is not the same anymore. Maybe if I’m asked to play another role, I’d give it a thought.

Is there any chance of playing a role in the development of Nigerian football soon?

I think it would be really fair to give more chances and more important roles in decision making to the ex-players, especially those who serve the country meritoriously. Nothing can be compared to experience. I think experience gathered by these ex-footballers should be harnessed and put into productive use by the football authority.

When you hear your nickname ROBOCOP, what emotion do you experience?

Amusement. Every player has a pseudo name. Majority of the Brazilian players don’t bear their real names. It is no offense.

Source:punchng.com