Ahead of the Galacian derby this weekend, we caught up with Nigerian and Deportivo La Coruna Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and he bares his mind on the game and other issues.
Q: This weekend is the Galician derby that is the match between Deportivo La Coruna and Celta Vigo, how would you describe the mood of the city ahead of the derby this weekend?
Francis Uzoho: The mood in the city is tense, and everyone is excited and looking forward to the game.
Q: This is a big game, it’s a derby! What is the feeling like among you players?
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Francis Uzoho: Right now I would say that the feeling is the same as every game really, although it is a different game altogether because it is a derby, the feeling is still the same. We are fine, we are ready and we feel the same way as against other teams.
Q: Celta Vigo are ahead of Deportivo La Coruna on the Laliga table right now. Do you think Deportivo can win this game and of course claim the bragging rights at stake?
Francis Uzoho: Of course I believe so. A derby game is not about where you are on the table, it is a different game altogether so I believe and I know that Deportivo will come out victorious on Saturday.
Q: What is your opinion on Celta Vigo as a club and their performance in the Laliga this season?
Francis Uzoho: In my opinion, Celta Vigo is a very good and big team, they have good players and more experience. And where they are in the league speaks a lot because they are in a very good position, not in a dangerous one. So yes they are playing good.
Q: You joined Deportivo from aspire academy, how will you describe LaLiga as a league? And how has your experience been?
Francis Uzoho: My experience in the league has been incredible. LaLiga is simply the best league in the world, the best players and biggest Clubs are here and I’m excited to be a part of it.
Q: You recently made your debut for Nigeria in a friendly game against Argentina. You played 45 minutes, and kept a clean sheet which is very good for a young goalkeeper like yourself. Do you see yourself getting a chance to represent Nigeria at the world cup in Russia next year?
Francis Uzoho: Yeah of course, I believe if the coaches have confidence in me, and given the chance to play, I will play, and I will do my best in Russia.
Q: How far do you think Nigeria can go at the World Cup?
Francis Uzoho: I think Nigeria can go very far because we have a very good team. The best I have seen in a while now from the Nigerian national team.
Q: How would you rate the chances of the other African teams participating at the World Cup next year?
Francis Uzoho: Other teams in Africa also have good players and good teams for example Morocco did not concede any goal in the qualifications and I think African countries are going to go very far this time in the world cup.
Q: Do you think an African country can ever win the world cup?
Francis Uzoho: Yes of course! An African team IS going to win the world cup. Maybe not now definitely, but I hope this year Nigeria is going to make that dream come true for Africa.
Q: You are a goalkeeper, which goalkeeper(s) did you admire growing up?
Francis Uzoho: Growing up I admired Edwin Van der Sar, and Vincent Enyeama
Q: And finally Francis Uzoho, do you have a message for your fans and fans of LaLiga all over Africa?
Francis Uzoho: Yeah I would like to thank my fans and I appreciate their support and I urge them to keep supporting, and to keep having faith in me, and to keep watching LaLiga because it is the best league in the world.
