FC Groningen of
Holland star, Femi Ajilore believes he can fill the void in the
offensive midfield position of the Super Eagles as Nigeria hopes for an
impressive outing at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Ajilore has
endeared himself to his club’s fans after churning out eye-catching
displays playing behind the strikers. The former Midtylland of Denmark
ace has enjoyed a brilliant form of late, orchestrating his side’s
triumphs with three goals in his last two Eredivisie league games.
After netting a
brace in his side’s 3-0 win at NAC Breda the previous weekend, the
midfielder headed home the second minute winner that ensured another
three points against Roda JC Kerkrade. He was particularly unlucky not
to have made it two as he struck the woodwork with a rasping 20-yard
effort after bursting through the midfield in the only real chance of
the second period.
Delight
“I was happy to
score again and it was even more special that it gave us the win. I was
only sad not to have made it two goals because I had another chance
that hit the post, so it could have been a brace as well. All the same,
I’m happy with my performance and it’s been very good for the team”, an
elated Ajilore told NEXTSports from Holland.
Ajilore who made
his debut for the Eagles in the international friendly against Colombia
in Cali in November 2008 is confident he can continue with such
performance which he hopes could earn him a place in the country’s
squad to South Africa.
“ We have some
players who can also play the ( offensive) role in my club but the
manager believe I can do the job. To have scored some vital goals
playing from that position really makes me happy and I really feel
comfortable doing it.
Feeling good
“ I’m feeling good
at the moment and I think some extra personal efforts after training
sessions on my physical condition and my game has really been paying
off and my coach was really impressed with my performance again on
Sunday.
“I have played in
that position for the Super Eagles, that was during the World Cup
qualifier against Mozambique and I remember some good moments.
Normally, you need to play more games to get used to it but our people
want instant result because of our passion for the game.”
Ajilore also said
he has heard positive comments about the new Eagles coach, Lars
Lagerback after discussions with a couple of his club mates who play
for Sweden.
“I don’t really know him but I spoke about him with some of my
colleagues who have played under him in the Sweden national team. We
have a couple of them playing here and they said he (Lagerback) has
been here to see them play. They told me he is a well-organised coach
and that he is tactically good. So I hope he will bring that into the
team to help the team make a good impact at the World Cup.”
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