INTERVIEW: I want to win the AFCON for myself and the country-Ekong
I'm happy we've been able to translate what we learn in our training and I believe things can only get better.
234Sports: How would you rate Super Eagles' performance in the first round?
Ekong: I think it's been wonderful so far, I am very proud of the team and the entire backroom staffs fit their wonderful job. I'm happy we've been able to translate what we learn in our training and I believe things can only get better. However, there is always room for improvement and we will keep learning. It's been wonderful here so far.
234Sports: Coach Austin Eguavoen fielded a second-string side against Guinea Bissau with eight changes, yet the team played with much fluidity. What would you say was key to success?
Ekong: You guys call them the second strings side but they showed how equally good they are if given the opportunity. That is what we need in a team, we need a big squad that will rise to the occasion irrespective of who plays.
I'm very proud of the team, I think it's just the same mentality within the team. It's good to give the boys some rest. I'm proud the boys that featured against Guinea Bissau showed up and gave a good account of themselves. I'm happy it's a big plus for our team.
234Sports: What does it feel like picking nine maximum points from three matches, the first of it for Ekong in any major tournament?
Ekong: It feels great and it's a big boost to our confidence. I've said it before that every game is quite important and that we will be taking every game as it comes.
We have the second-round game coming up on Sunday. I think we will just focus on ourselves and be prepared.
234Sports: Coach Austin Eguavoen once said that he wants his defender to be part of the team's goal hunt. You did just that against Guinea Bissau. Is there something you want to tell us about Eguavoen's tactics?
I think I'm very happy because we've always asked the players upfront to defend with us and make it a team effort. The same also applies to the team when on the attack and that is what we did against our opponents. I am happy I was able to contribute and get my first goal of this edition. But my first job is to try and stop the goals and that was more important.
234Sports: How have you been handling your female fans who seem to be fallen heads over heels for you?
Ekong: Well, all I can say is that I am happily married. I'm enjoying my time with fans here, and I want to thank them for their support.
234Sports: You seem to be at ease with Kenneth Omeruo in the heart of the Super Eagles defence.
Ekong: Yeah, Kenneth is a great guy and it feels great to be playing together in a competition as big as the AFCON. We are not new to each other, we've played together in a few friendly matches but this is the first time that we are playing together in a major tournament. He has been here before and has won the competition. His experience has helped us a great deal and I hope we keep preventing the goals from getting in.
234Sports: Yeah, the slogan has always been "one game" at a time. How far can these Eagles fly in this tournament?
Ekong: The coach has always said every team here deserves respect and that they have equal chances of winning. He is correct but we will keep working hard to achieve our dream. I want to win the AFCON for myself and the country. A couple of guys have won it before, and we all want the trophy again. But we take each game as it comes.
Thank you for your time Ekong
Thank you.
