Lithuania-based striker Chidera Nwoga has told ScoreNigeria.com.ng that he derived motivation and has modeled himself after the legendary Didier Drogba, who he watched while growing up.
Nwoga ended the league as highest goal scorer with 26 goals in 28 games to help his club Transinvest secure promotion to the top flight.
He also talked about what he does before games and his ambition as a football player in this exclusive interview.
The full interview:
SCORENigeria: Congratulations on helping your team secure promotion, how do you feel about this?
NWOGA: It feels amazing. We worked so hard throughout the season, and I’m so happy that we achieved our goal as a team. Securing promotion is a dream come true for everyone at the club and it’s also my second time of helping a club to get promotion, first was with Portugal Estrela Amadora. It’s a reward for our teamwork and determination. It wasn’t that easy but thank God we did it.
Apart from the promotion, you finished as top scorer with 26 goals in 28 league games, how easy was it to achieve this?
It definitely wasn’t easy. Every goal came from hard work, focus, and support from my teammates, most especially my coach he is always pushing me, showing me where to be at the right time to score goals. He really helped me achieve this feat. I just tried to stay consistent, keep my confidence high, and take every chance I got.
Who are the clubs you have played for before now?
Before joining my current club, I have played in Portugal for Leixões, Tirsense, Estrela Amadora, S. João ver, Salgueiros. I moved to Austria, where I played for Union Gurten, then in Slovenia for Bistroca. I also played in Malta for Mosta.
What are your next set targets?
My next goal is to keep improving as a player, do better than I did this season, help the team perform well until the last game and continue scoring goals. Personally, I would also like to break into the national team and play in higher league in the near future.
How will you rate the standard of the league?
The league is very competitive. Some teams are strong and organized, and you have to give your best every single game. The level keeps improving every season.
What was your motivation to be a footballer?
I’ve loved football since I was a kid. Watching great players inspired me, and I always dreamed of playing professionally. My family also encouraged me to follow my passion, which kept me going.
Who was your role model and why?
When I was growing up, I watched Didier Drogba a lot, the way he played, scoring goals in short, he inspired me and he is my role model.
What do you aim to achieve as a footballer player?
I want to reach the highest level possible — to play at the top level, win trophies, make good money because we are also playing not just for the passion, but to make good money.. to help families and less the privileged…and also inspire the next generation of young players to chase their dreams.
What do you do before every game and how has it impact on your performance?
Before every game, I like to stay calm and focused, I usually listen to music, say a short prayer, and visualize scoring goals. It helps me enter the pitch with confidence and a clear mind.
Words for the club fans and your own fans?
A big thank you to all the fans for their incredible support. You’ve been behind us all season, and we couldn’t have done it without you. Keep believing — the best is yet to come!
