Retired Nigerian striker, Peter Ijeh, in this interview with ’TANA AIYEJINA, talks about his new job as a coach, playing in the Scandinavia, his amazing scoring record in Sweden and more
How are you finding life as the Manager/Head Coach at FC Frolunda Futsal Gothenburg Sweden?
It’s been fine and I am still trying to keep the flag flying. It’s a new experience all together and I am enjoying everything. I love tackling challenges and I believe coaching is an area I can make a very big impact as well.
As a young manager, what are your achievements and challenges so far?
My achievements have been working with top-class coaches in my football sojourn. I am gaining more and more experience from the expertise of these coaches. So, interpreting my career story to the younger generation of footballers won’t be a problem at all. And my progress so far says it all. Experience they say is the best teacher.
In Nigeria, the media nicknamed you King of the Scandinavia because of your achievements there. Why did you choose to play your entire European career in the Scandinavia?
That is where it all started and that is where it ended. I bless God for his grace, direction and achievements. I feel at home in the Scandinavia. So, I am very happy to have played in Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Playing in these countries is an experience I will never forget. And I am looking forward to also make my mark as coach there as well and even beyond.
There was definitely something that endeared you to these countries. What was it?
First I had the opportunity of learning a different football philosophy after I moved to Malmo FF in 2001 from Julius Berger. What I did was to apply African technicality in conformity with the three Scandinavian countries I played in and the result is my present state as a Uefa License coach.
Starting a career in Europe isn’t always easy most times for young African players. What were the challenges you faced initially and how did you overcome them?
Determination, dedication, discipline and sacrifice go a long way in making it here. And most importantly, a player must believe in himself; that you have got what it takes to excel at the highest level. If you adopt this attitude, it will open doors of opportunities for you. I had some challenges early on but I am a determined person and I found my way through.
How did you tackle issues such as the Swedish weather, culture, food and language when you first got there in 2001?
The issues you just stated are paramount. The weather, culture, food and language barriers would always be there for first time visitors. That is why I said earlier that to survive in a country where there is no friend or family, the player has to apply the three Ds and S: determination, dedication, discipline and sacrifice. But the good thing now is that things have changed drastically. There is Internet connectivity and the social media can help keep you busy and informed even if you don’t understand the language of the country as a first time visitor. During the days before I travelled, there was no mobile phone connection. This is why I respect our football heroes like (Stephen) Keshi, (Austin) Okocha and others. All these guys were able to create a big impression globally as footballers despite facing tough challenges in various European leagues. And it is my duty to follow their footsteps.
You were invited to the Super Eagles for the friendly match against Jamaica after doing so well at Malmo FF and emerging top scorer in the Swedish Allsvenskan in 2002 with 24 goals. How did you feel putting on the green and white jersey for the first time?
It felt good to make my Nigerian debut. Every player wants to play for his country and it was a moment of joy for me to represent my country. It was a wonderful experience.
But fans booed the Eagles on your debut at the National Stadium, Lagos. What actually happened on that day?
I’m sorry, that page and chapter is closed. That incident is past now. I don’t want to revisit old issues.
Okay, which club would you say you had the best of time while playing at home and abroad?
All the clubs have their ups and downs but I always take the good memories. What I did was to tap into the leadership skills, structures and tactics of clubs I played for and use what I have learnt to improve myself as a coach. In other words, I had something to learn in every adventure I embarked on.
English Championship side, Coventry City once had interest in you in 2007. Why were you unable to sel a deal with them?
It was largely due to the downturn in the European economy. After the 9/11 issue, there was a downturn in the European market. The club wanted the maximum pay-out and the interested buyers wanted the minimum and the deal had to be put off.
And would you say you regret not playing in a big league like the English Premier League?
I have no regrets whatever because this is just how God wrote my story as a football player. And I am satisfied with His grace; making me play more than 300 games and hitting the back of the net more than 150 times. I will remain grateful to God for His hand in my life as a footballer.
What was the secret behind your goal scoring ability?
It’s nothing more than determination, dedication, discipline, sacrifice and of course, God’s grace.
Amongst the goals you scored, which would you say was the best and most memorable?
I would say all the goals I scored were memorable.
What was the most memorable time of your career?
It was putting Nigeria’s name in the Swedish Premier League history books. I broke a 30-year scoring record in 2002 and till today I still hold the scoring record. I also won the league’s Most Valuable Player award four times. I won the league title; I achieved so much and I thank God for His mercies on me. Now when I walk on the streets in Sweden, people want to take pictures with me; I also sign lots of autographs.
Was there a time you were approached by any of the Scandinavian nations to play for them?
Yes, Sweden did approach me and it was in the Nigerian media but the Nigerian Football Federation intervened and said that I should play for Nigeria and I respected that. Anyway, all that is history now.
Are you hoping to return home to coach in Nigeria?
Of course I will come home if the demand for my services is there. I played in Nigeria and Europe, so all of them are relevant and that forms my coaching philosophy.
Which defender gave you the toughest time in your playing career?
There were so many of them. I played in three different countries week-in-week- out and played against different defence formations. So, you see, it will be hard to point at a particular player as the one that gave me a very tough time. Personally, I don’t think of defenders; I make them think of me.
How do you see the present set of Eagles and the job coach Stephen Keshi is doing?
Keshi is doing a very good job. I am 100 per cent in support of the quest for a change. Keshi has given the home-based players a lift by inviting a lot of them to the national team. And he is complimenting it with the foreign-based players. He has done very well for the team.