EX-SUPER Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai in an interview with Saturday Sunsports expresses his feelings on the current form of the Super Eagles, his perception about Sunday Oliseh, causes of exit of the home Eagles in the ongoing CHAN competition, where he thought the newly promoted Ikorodu United of Lagos will be in the forthcoming Glo Premier League season and some other issues. Excerpts…
Being one of the most capped goalkeepers in the history of Nigeria football, can you share some of your experiences with us?
My experiences as a goalkeeper would have been meaningless without the help of my teammates. Although, I had a stint with foreign clubs like Lokeren of Belgium, Go Ahead Eagles and Gil Vicente of Portugal, and I also served as goal stopper for Hercules and Deportivo La Coruna of Spain, I gained fame while I was a kid during my days at Stationary Stores of Lagos and defunct Femo Scorpion of Eruwa.
I also learnt some skills from the likes of Ike Shorunmu, Wilfred Agbonivbare, my senior man Joe Erico, Alloy Agu and a host of others.
As an ex-goalkeeper do you think the Super Eagles are on the right track with goalkeeper Carl Ikeme?
To me, Ikeme is a fantastic goalkeeper. He got good reflection but I don’t think he deserves the number one spot. Everything in life has a protocol. We got good goalkeepers who served as an option after Vincent Enyeama. The likes of Austin Ejide, Dele Aiyenugba and host of others are fantastic goal stoppers but we have no choice because everything deals with time and season. During my days, I sweated to be the first choice. I got so many senior colleagues who fought for the number one glove with me and when I was picked as the number one, it was obvious I merited it. Anything can still happen. Nigerian coaches are fond of changing players whenever they get appointed and I think the likes of Ejide and other senior goalkeepers will soon be given a chance.
What do you think were the causes of the early exit of the home Eagles in the ongoing CHAN tournament?
There are so many factors attached to their early exit. First, I don’t think the name home base Eagles is right. Everyone deserves a great name. Fans have refused to show love to these players based on their name. Super Eagles is Super Eagles; why should people keep calling them Local boys. Secondly, I think their level of preparation was very low. Their head coach joined them few days before the tournament, which I think also affected the guys and lastly; is the issue of fear factor. Agreed, there are no more minnows in football but I think we still deserve some respect from smaller teams. The Guineans brought the game to us and we decided to settle for less. I will urge Oliseh to work hard because the Eagles still got greater challenges ahead of them.
But do you think Oliseh can overcome future challenges with the Super Eagles?
I can’t really say because a team is as good as its last game. Every coach who loses his previous game will certainly be under pressure to handle the next one. I am not calling him a failure because I know coaching a team like the Super Eagles is like coaching the whole citizens of Nigeria. But based on present form and statistics, I don’t think we can make it to the next AFCON tournament in 2017.We have a game with Egypt, which I consider a more technically sound side. The Egyptians know what is at stake. They have quickly organised some crucial friendly matches while we are here with no hope of organising one. I think the NFF should put together a short time programme before our crucial encounter with the Egyptians.
You just mentioned the NFF, how will you rate them?
You see, everyone has his or her way of doing things. Presently, we all know members of the NFF have some underground issues with each other but I don’t think that can affect the winning mentality of the boys. If it does, there will be a big trouble but I know some faces like Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi and host of other peacemakers will not allow that. We are not the only country facing such tribulation and I believe with time everything will be all right.
After a career spanning over 20 years, will you accept a coaching role if you are offered to coach the Eagles?
I have the attribute of becoming a good coach, especially in the area of training and grooming goalkeepers. As a matter of fact, I have a goalkeeping school in Spain where I teach young ones how to stop goals. Nigeria is my fatherland and I will not reject any offer brought before me. For now, I don’t think the issue of goalkeeping should bother us. We have talented and fantastic goalkeepers and I think Alloy Agu is the right man to handle the boys.
Will you allow any of you kids to play football?
Yes why not. Football is now a noble job every one is willing to do. As a matter of fact, my oldest son, Senbaty Rufai is also a footballer and has tried out as a midfielder for Sunshine Stars of Akure in Nigeria. During our days there was no money in football, but these days it is funny footballers are now millionaires. If any of my kids wishes to join the profession I will surely support him/ her.
Can you tell us about your unforgettable days while playing for the Super Eagles?
I have so many unforgettable days. The good and the bad. I could remember the bad day when I wept bitterly shortly after the game between Nigeria and Denmark during the France 1998 World Cup, where I conceded four goals. I will also not forget the last minute goal Italy scored against us at the U.S.A 1994 World Cup. Life is full of ups and downs. I also remember vividly the last goal I scored for Nigeria, a penalty kick in a 6-0 win against Ethiopia in 1993 and the day we were crowned AFCON Champion in Tunisia in 1994.
Lastly, Ikorodu United has just been promoted to the Nigeria Premier League, how do you feel about this?
I’m very happy about the new development. I see them creating surprises. They have talented stars and experienced football administrators and I will not be surprised if they can return the lost glory in Lagos’ football. It’s been a while we enjoyed good football in Lagos. I could remember the days of my team, Stationary Stores, no one dared us at home and being a Lagosian it was fun back then. I pray Ikorodu United restores the lo st glory of Lagos football.
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