CS Sfaxien of Tunisia striker Kingsley Eduwo has told SCORENigeria that representing Nigeria gives players respect far beyond the country.
Eduwo, who was invited by Nigeria U20 and U23 teams as well as the CHAN Eagles at some points in his career, said he enjoyed every moment with the various national teams and hopes for more.
He also talked about his sojourn at Iraq, his exploits at his Tunisian club and more about his career.
SCORENIGERIA: Can you let us know how your career started?
EDUWO: My career started when I was in high school, I was in junior class then, but I was among those who were selected to represent the school.
Who discovered you before you turned professional and how?
It was Hilary Divine Uchechukwu who discovered me while I was playing street football with my friends at Godwin Estate, Egbeda. Lagos.
How did your parent take your decision to make playing football a career?
My mother agreed to my choice of football as a career, but my father did not agree because he wanted me to go to school. I can only ask my mother for money to buy football kits, but I cannot ask my dad, what I can only ask my dad is money for books and money to pay for examination forms.
Where did your professional career started fully?
I started my professional career with the Bridge Boys formerly known as Julius Berger, who I joined immediately after my high school. From there, I moved to Gateway FC, then to Shooting Stars of Ibadan, where I came across many big names in the league, the likes of Gbolahan Salami, Mutiu Adegoke, Osagona Ighodalo, Dele Ajiboye, Olaide Okanlawon and Tony Edjomariga.
Those are big names in the league at that point, how did you cope being their teammate?
To be honest, at first It was not easy because these are players that have make their names, but the coach, Akeem Busari, really supported me, gave me so much courage and confidence. The players too were welcoming, that was why I was able to settle in and showcase my talent at the club.
How was the feeling when you got the CS Sfaxien deal?
Actually, I love to play in Tunisia, by that time I was not thinking of playing in Tunisia, I was expecting a contract from Legia Warsaw in Poland, but I just had to sign for CS Sfaxien because they needed me at that period and I was happy when I signed for the club because it’s one of the big clubs in Africa and every young footballer in Nigeria dreams to play outside the country.
You started well with Sfaxien, what then led to you going on loan at Al Najaf in Iraq?
I went on loan not because I was not playing well, but I was not having enough playing time because they have a Tunisian international striker in my position, so I agreed to go on loan because I need playing time.
You have played for Nigeria at various levels, how has it been?
I was so happy to play for Nigeria. That has always been my dream since I started playing football.
There is respect for you as a footballer when you are playing in the national team of Nigeria because for you to play in the national team every one believes you are a good player and among the best in your country.
You are back playing for CS Sfaxien after the loan spell and doing well, what are your targets now?
For this season, I dream to become one of the top scorers in the league and CAF Champions League, but unfortunately we are out of the champions League. I played three CAF Champions League games and got two goals.
What do you still dream of as a player?
My dream is to move to better league in Europe and show my talent. I won’t mind another chance in the national team.
All the best Kingsley
Thank you,. I appreciate this.
