A lot was not known about Sunshine Stars skipper, Godfrey Oboabona, before the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
But by the time Nigeria emerged from the tournament as African champions, he had played in all the matches, forging an impressive partnership with Kenneth Omeruo and garnering so much acclaim.
In this interview with Complete Sports, the defender traces his humble beginnings and how he shot into limelight:
BACKGROUND I was born on 16 August 1990 in Akure. We are seven in our family and my parents have always supported me right from the onset. While I was a kid, my dad gave me the courage and confidence to be a footballer, even though he had always clamored for proper education at that time. I started with Rising Stars Academy when I was playing for St James College, then I moved on to Sunshine Stars FC of Akure. GROWING UP I must be frank with you; life was tough as a young kid trying to play football. My parents were my ardent supporters then, but even at that it was tough growing up. I could still remember when I needed to get boots for an important game; my mother had to go to her co-operative society then to ask for a loan, which was later paid with huge interest. I went to play that game and from there I moved on to Rising Stars FC. That is how much my parents went through at that time to ensure I achieve my dream. I can never forget that moment and I am grateful to my parents for taking that bold step on my behalf. My father is a retired civil servant while my mother is a trader. ABOUT AFCON 2013 SUCCESS We have not arrived yet, there is a lot more to be done before Nigeria can begin to say she has arrived in global soccer. I know the coach is still building his team and there will be more players coming in. All that really matters is for Nigeria to return to those glory days again and I know it is just a matter of time before we achieve that. ABOUT HIS VERSATILITY ON THE FIELD I began as a striker. I’ve always loved to score wherever I’ve played. I moved on to play in the midfield and I did so well there. So yes, I think that this attitude helped me as a defender. I am not surprised that I could play anywhere on the field as long as it is football. My coach at Sunshine, Gbenga Ogunbote has used me in virtually every position and I have adapted effectively well. SOURCE OF INSPIRATION AS A KID I think my parents were my number one inspiration. On that fateful day that my mum borrowed money to acquire boots for me, it was then I made up my mind to make them happy. I really want to thank God that my dream is alive today with this AFCON success. I am a living testimony to my parents today. They planted a good seed into my life and they deserve to reap the fruits of their labours now. COPING WITH AFCON 2013 PRESSURE Obviously there’s even more pressure on you as captain, I mean in Sunshine Stars colours not the national team. Playing for Sunshine has really done a lot in preparing me for bigger challenges like those of AFCON. When the final list was released, I told myself I must prove a point and justify my place in the team. It was painful to have conceded a late goal against Burkina Faso in our opening match but that didn’t affect me. I think AFCON pressure brought out the best in me which was why I was able to face the likes of Drogba, Yaya Toure and Seydou Keita and not panic. I am not scared of playing against very big names. Pressure is something you learn to deal with as a footballer and the bigger the game, the bigger the pressure, though I really enjoyed the big games, but my motivation is winning and believe me there is no better feeling ON PLAYERS’ COMMITMENT Yeah, I love playing for my country. I think there have been suggestions that players don’t care, but it’s the complete opposite. I saw it in the dressing room especially after our first two AFCON games. That was where our confidence came from, we made up our minds to go one step extra against the Ethiopians and thank God we eventually won it. ON DOUBTS OVER LOCAL PLAYERS I think the home based players should be grateful to our critics; they really brought out the best in us. If it were not for our critics who cast a shadow of doubt over our abilities in the national team, we would not have evolved as heroes of the Nations Cup. Take a look at Sunday Mba too, he really showed that something good can still come out of our Nazareth. Nobody believed in us but we thank our critics who wrote us off because they actually gave us the zeal to prove a point. WHAT REALLY HAPPENED IN THE DRESSING ROOM BETWEEN YOU AND YOBO WHEN BURKINA FASO EQUALIZED? Ha! I went to meet him and he just encouraged me and said it’s part of the game. What a great leader he is. ANY UNUSUAL HOBBY WE DON’T KNOW ABOUT Nothing out of the ordinary. I love watching Nigerian movies, at home; I play on the PlayStation, of course, like most footballers do. I love travelling and going to new places and my job has really helped me to achieve that. I love music too and cars are things of life which I am in love with but I am not materialistic. BIGGEST SCARE That was when Sunshine Stars travelled to Mali for CAF Champions League clash with Djoliba FC following a renewed fighting in the country at that time. There were gunshots near our hotel and we feared for our lives. Thank God we came out safely and returned home. PAIRING WITH OMERUO Wow! That chap is a great player. I never knew Nigeria is so blessed with a player of his calibre. He has got the heart and disposition to play the game to the highest level. No one would believe AFCON 2013 was his first Super Eagles experience. It is not easy to throw a young man into such big games and expect him to perform, but Kenneth really surprised everyone. I think the sky is his limit. BEST MANAGER EVER PLAYED UNDER I must thank Coach Gbenga Ogunbote for making me to realize my goal in life. He gave me a chance at Sunshine. If he had not, the national team offer would not have come anyway. I am happy to have worked under Keshi, he is greater than Jose Mourinho. You make mistakes and he sticks by you in the face of heavy criticism; such Managers are few to come by. If indeed there is a second world I would still love to play under these two Managers. BIGGEST REGRET Not leading Sunshine Stars to CAF Champions League final. But I thank God what I could not achieve at club level, I achieved with Super Eagles on my first AFCON appearance. WHERE FROM HERE I’m not in a hurry to jump the ship at Sunshine Stars, offers have been coming in but I will take my time and avoid distractions. I just want to help my country qualify for Brazil 2014 and ensure Nigeria do well at Confederations Cup in Brazil later in June.
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