Nigeria Content Online

Super Eagles
forward, John Utaka, is eager to claim a place in the Nigerian team to
this summer’s World Cup after a season plagued by injuries and
off-field upheavals.

He has also
showered praises on Portsmouth manager, Avram Grant, for giving him a
new found belief in his abilities as a footballer.

The Nigeria
international has been synonymous with the Super Eagles since the 2002
World Cup but has found himself in the international wilderness
following a serious loss of form.

He was however
recently recalled to the Super Eagles by new coach Lars Lagerback ahead
of the team’s preparations for South Africa 2010 having made his last
Super Eagles appearance as far back as June 2009 in a World Cup
qualifier against Tunisia.

“I’m happy to be
back with the squad and like always, I will give my best for Nigeria.
I’m also looking forward to the World Cup, where I believe we will do
well,” said Utaka. “I have the confidence and determination and so I’m
optimistic I will be in South Africa.”

Grant’s influence

Grant was named as
Portsmouth’s manager in late November after the club released erstwhile
manager Paul Hart, and Utaka told his club’s web site: “His coming was
a big boost for me. He told me to go out and enjoy myself. He gave me
more confidence.” “He’s a good manager because he has worked at some
top clubs previously and he knows a good player when he sees one,”
added Utaka, who is at home either as a centre-forward or as a winger.

He however reiterated that his best position was playing as a center-forward.

“I’m a
centre-forward, a top-nine. I only have to get a good run in that
position and with the right support and delivery; I will be scoring
consistently for both club and country. I have never doubted what I can
do on the pitch. This is a gift, a talent,” said Utaka.

Setback

This season hasn’t
however been the best for the Nigerian international and he is quick to
blame it all at the much publicized problems that have plagued
Portsmouth.

“We changed owners
and managers at will, and everybody came with his own ideas and his own
players. There was no stability at the club,” said Utaka.

“Also, some people will not care to know that I suffered injuries –
hamstring, groin. It’s also a fact that even if you are not playing, it
does not mean, you’re not a good player. It does not take away your
quality,” he added.