Plateau United Shot Stopper Chinedu Henry Anozie in an exclusive interview with OwoSports correspondent Tosh Michael, speaks on his glittering career in 2019.
How has the Covid-19 affected you as a player in 2020?
“Well, i will say that the covid19 has really affected me one way or the other, my target this season was to get at least 18 clean sheet but i had only 10 due to the virus.
“This is the first time we will be away from football for a longer period, it has really affected me, i just can’t wait for football to get back.
How has life been in Plateau, How well have you been able to cope?
“Plateau is not bad, its a state mixed up with so many tribes, i have my people here, the town is cool I’m enjoying it here, everything is just working for good.
Having played for Abia Warriors and FC IfeanyiUbah in Southern part of the country, how was it like when Plateau United came calling, how difficult was it making the decision to move?
“I got more attached to Abia Warriors than any other club i have played for, i spent a long time with the club, it wasn’t easy leaving but as a player you just have to leave so you can as well add value to yourself.
“Ifeanyi Ubah have been calling me for quite long time before i devided to play for them during the last two season, when i got the call from Plateau United i was also excited because Plateau is one of the big team in Nigeria everyone would want to play for, when they came calling i just made up my mind to play come here though i had other offers elsewhere.
Plateau United will be playing in the CAF Champions league next season, how excited are you and what does it mean to your career?
“I am very happy that for the first time i am playing for a team that will be playing in the CAF Champions league.
“I have been praying telling God i want to play on the continent for the little time i have spent in the league it has been my major target, coming to Plateau United in my first season we qualified to play on the continent it really means alot for me.
“I am only hoping and praying that the champions league will also bring fort good things to my career, i know playing in the champions league will expose me and attracts good offers.
You were the NPFL goalkeeper last season with the most clean sheet would you say moving to Plateau United added some spice to your game?
“I had target for myself, i believe i can fit into any team, what i need is to just keep working hard, coming to Plateau United i believed that once I’m in good shape i can add value to the team.
“Last two seasons with Ifeanyi Ubah i also had ten clean sheets, coming to Plateau i believed i had more too offer.
Just a season with Plateau United you made the NPFL team of the season, qualified for CAF champions league, would you say it was your best season so far despite the outbreak of the pandemic?
“Yes, it was one of my best season so far, coming to Plateau United, qualifying for the CAF Champions league, been named in the team of the season it was massive for me.
“The team did well, i also have to credit myself, i thank God for bringing me here, it just like putting someone in the right place at the right time, it was one of my best season.
Ending the League using PPG Format which is causing alot of controversy between Rivers United and the LMC do you in your opinion think there was any better way to have ended the leauge.?
“Few countries also ended their league adopting the PPG format, ending the NPFL using the PPG it not a new thing, Rivers United and the LMC should sort it out, since the LMC decided on using the PPG which other countries also adopted i dont think there is a problem with it.
How hopeful are you making the Super Eagles Squad, how soon do you think it will happen?
“Playing for the Super Eagles has been my major target since i started playing football professionally.
“time, everybody on earth has their time i believe i will have my chance once am there i will make very good use of the chance.
“I know i will be invited to the Super Eagles very soon, I’m preparing for it, i know it will come.
NPFL Stars haven’t been given the much needed attention when it comes to getting an invitation to the Super Eagles, do you think we have the quality in the NPFL to challenge the foreign based professionals?
“We have lots of qualities the league, we are not given equal opportunity like the foreign based to prove ourselves, i think the NPFL players have much to offer also if given the chance, the NPFL have produced so many good players for the Super Eagles, former captain Vincent Enyeama started here and went on to becoming the best goalkeeper in Africa.
Every NPFL player has the ambition of playing outside Nigeria, i know you have same, so tell me what team do you hope to play for outside the country?
“Real Madrid is that team, it has been my top target. If I’m being called up to mount the goal post for Real Madrid today i tell you i will do that without shaking, but in life we plan but God also has his own perfect plans for us.
“But i believed, i will leave Nigeria very soon to the country i don’t know, the club i don’t know but my top target remains Real Madrid.
You recently made a post on facebook saying my next move will shock you, are there bids coming in for you ? Can you disclose the team if any?
“The social media is the platform where we talk about alot of things, the post i made on Facebook talking about my next move wasn’t football related, it was about my relationship taking it to the next level, so many people got it all wrong.
“Yea, I’ve had so many teams calling with tempting offers, you know in the league once you are doing well so many offers will come for you, but i want to play in the champions league some of the teams calling are also in the champions league but I’m comfortable here, the players, the coaches are welcoming, I’m staying and playing the champions league with Plateau United.
Who is that goalkeeper you look up to?
“Kayor Navas of PSG, he is a very good goalkeeper you can always learn from, i watched and learn alot from him, hoping to meet him one day and tell him i learnt alot from him.
Which of the team in the NPFL do you see as the toughest team you’ve played against
“Kano Pillars
Who has been the toughest Striker you’ve faced in your career?
“Nyima Nwagwa he is very strong knows how to pick his spot, anytime i face him i am always on my toes knowing he can do anything at anytime.
Enyimba is the only Nigeria side to have won the CAF champions league, do you think Plateau United have what it takes to win the CAF Champions league next season?
“Playing in the champions league anything can happen.
“We have what it takes to challenge for the champions league trophy, i know we will win it.
Any target for next season?
“Yes definately there will be target for next season, for now football haven’t resumed yet, so i won’t tell you there is a target for now, when football resumes i will know what target to set for myself.
What message do you have for your fans going into next season? And what should the fans be expecting from You and Plateau United next season?
“As we approach next season, i am only assuring the fans that we will pick up from where we stopped last season and work harder for the champions league.
“They should expect good games and more wins, all we need is their supports.
