Nigeria not worth dying for – Odiaka
By KATE OBODO
In 1985, Nigeria was at the verge of being eliminated from the FIFA U-20 World Cup qualifiers after the Flying Eagles fell 0-3 to Cameroon in the first leg. In the return leg in Lagos, the Flying Eagles triumphed after a hard-fought 5-0 victory. One man, Monday Odiaka stood out in that encounter after scoring a hat-trick. Odiaka, a former player of the defunct ACB Football Club of Lagos said he almost lost his life while scoring one of the goals. In this interview, Odiaka bared his mind on what he termed “the neglect by the government and the NFA.” Excerpts.
You made Nigeria proud in the past. Look back and tell us how you feel?
Well, it feels good playing for your country but very bad for someone who has played for his country and not being recognized. We have to follow suit, just like it is done in the western world. In Europe, football legends are not forgotten easily like the way it is here. I know if I were to be a citizen of one of these western countries I would have been rated high. If it is in the Army, you will be promoted a General. Even if you want to retire you will also retire as a General with benefits.
Most of our Generals did not fight the civil war, yet they are still enjoying the benefit of being an army General. In my own field as a General in the world of soccer, I fought for my country and represented my country at the international scene. I won laurels, made record, scored goals and would have also died and be forgotten like late Samson Okwaraji who died while representing his country.
How have you been taking all the situations?
Monday Odiaka
As a Christian, I believe in one thing. Naked I came and naked I will go. So it does not bother me. Honestly speaking, I am grateful to God for making me what I am today. My philosophy of life, is that I chose to excel and not to compete with others. One thing is certain, we were not born the same time and day; I don’t compare my life to others. Because I have no idea what their journey is about.
You scored that goal and passed on, later you were revived and still wanted to play, what really happened?
That shows how patriotic we were then, playing for our country. Then, we played with all our might and strength. This is what players of this days lacked. But I will not blame them that is why I am not bothered when people say our national team players are not committed. It is just like what happened to me and other past heroes in football.
Really, I do not blame them, because when they sustain injuries they are not taken care of. Following what they have heard and seen, how past heroes were poorly treated. So, I will advise that they stay focused in their club rather than being 100 percent dedicated and committed to the country.
Are you in support of players’ lackadaisical attitude in the national team?
Not really, but based on the fact that we do not care for these players especially when they need us most, you can’t blame them. Most times, when they sustain injuries while playing for the country, it becomes difficult for the country to support in their treatment. I have heard cases where players were even abandoned due to injuries. And if such players are not in good clubs, they will be left alone to cater for themselves and that may result to them ending their career early.
In such a situation, if such players, God helping them, get back again, do you think they will ever be serious with calls from their country? Of course, not. Such players won’t put in their best when playing for their country. It is sickening, retrogressive and insensitive for anybody to think that players should not be taken proper care of even when they sustain injury from their club, at least there should be a form of care.
Do you still have cordial relationship with your fellow players?
Yes, of course, we do meet at the Navy Barrack in Ajegunle. Actually, most of them were born in this community so there is no big deal on that. Our relationship has been cordial and any time we see, we have respect for each other.
Have you gotten any help from them in any way?
Frankly, speaking, we all are struggling, no one will say he has a better place to put me. I know they are other past heroes that are better than me, but then, I don’t depend on them or any human being , because they are not my God.
What do yo think the government and the NFF should do in this regards?
They should rehabilitate their past heroes, and not to use and dump them . Other countries honour their past heroes. How would you feel if you see your past hero begging on the street? Won’t you be ashamed. It is really a shame to Nigeria, but it is obvious we do not have shame.
I will say we are far from the way human beings behave. For the past years, how many of our past heroes were rewarded for a work well done. Really, we need to change our attitude in the way we handle sports or football personalities in this country if really we must grow.
