AS Monaco left-back, Elderson Echiejile, talks about his football career and the agony of being dropped from the 2014 World Cup at the last minute due to an injury in this interview. He spoke to ’TANA AIYEJINA before the Super Eagles’ AFCON qualifier against South Africa in Uyo
In the past, it was virtually impossible for countries like Congo and Sudan to beat the Super Eagles but it happened during the qualifiers for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. How do you view this trend?
Football could go both ways; you win or you lose. If you lose, you go back, work hard and come back strong. Personally, I think African football has improved. You can’t just go out and pick a win anywhere any more.
You didn’t play against Congo. How do you feel about this?
Anytime I wear the national jersey, I try to do my best. I always look forward to play for Nigeria and I think what is important is what the team achieves. That’s very important. We all wait to see who gets to play because anyone called upon will always give his best.
On the eve of the World Cup in Brazil, you copped an injury and had to be dropped from the squad. How did you feel?
It was really painful because every football player wants to play in the World Cup but sometimes it happens in football. You want to go but injury stops you. So, I just had to be positive because there are future opportunities to play in football’s biggest tournament.
How would you describe the performance of Juwon Oshaniwa, who played the left-back position in Brazil?
It was good; he is a good player and he played well.
Unlike in the past, the home-based players have played major roles in the Super Eagles. How would you describe their performances?
It’s a great experience for them. I think they should just keep working hard and believe in themselves. They’ve come this far and they could do a lot. It’s not easy playing for the national team, so this is a great opportunity for them and I am happy that they have been doing very well. They need to keep working hard.
How would you describe your move from Sporting Braga to French Ligue 1 giants AS Monaco?
It’s a good club, and I am working hard to have more game time. So far, it’s not that bad. We are playing in the Champions League. Despite the fact that we started badly in the league, I think we still have time to come up the table. I also believe that with time, I will get more game time.
Your top striker Radamel Falcao left for Manchester United on a season-long loan deal. Do you think his departure has affected the fortunes of Monaco?
His presence brought a lot of positivity in the team but his move to United actually affected the team. But we have to cope with it and we have strikers who have been able to fill his gap.
Your first club, Bendel Insurance, have been struggling in the lower divisions in the domestic league in recent times. How do you feel about this?
It’s so painful that a club like Insurance are down in the league. It’s a club I always wanted to play for right from my childhood. So, when I got the opportunity, I was very happy and I gave my best for the club. But right now, things are not going too well for them. I believe they can bounce back and let’s see what happens very soon.
While at Portuguese club Braga, you helped them reach the final of the Europa Cup but lost…
Sometimes when you lose in the final, it is difficult to take but that is football for you. Someone has to win and someone has to lose. I had a great time in Portugal, playing in the Champions League and the Europa Cup. It was a great experience for me.
How would you describe your seven-year sojourn in Europe, first from French side Rennes to Braga and then back to France with Monaco?
It hasn’t been easy really. Playing abroad hasn’t been as easy as you might think, I must confess. There have been a lot of challenges but you don’t have a choice but to try and cope. I am coping and I am trying to make the best of situations that come my way.
In the past, when football was not as lucrative as it is now, parents prevented their children from playing the game. Did you have such challenges too?
Of course they (parents) did. When you look back then, every parent didn’t want their children to play football because they thought they might end up in the streets doing nothing. I wasn’t really encouraged at first but after a while, when they saw my progress, they said, ‘Maybe he could make something out of the game since it is what he choose.’ So I got the necessary support from my family afterwards and we are all happy now because I made the right decision.
Were you born with a silver spoon?
No, but I come from an average family. I wouldn’t say my parents were rich, but we were okay.
Which of the big leagues in Europe do you hope to play in when you probably leave the French Ligue 1?
Personally, I believe the French league is one of the best in Europe. It’s always a pleasure for me to play there. As a kid, I grew up watching the English Premier League, so if I play in the EPL, it will be good. I just want to play high level football. Right now, I am happy at Monaco and hoping to continue to give my best to the club anytime I play. They are one of the biggest clubs in Europe and its great playing for them.
Who is Elderson Echiejile?
I am just me. People try to look at me and try to judge me but I think you can’t assess people that way. I try to remain positive and cool. I am just myself.
Off the pitch, how do you relax?
I listen to music and try to talk with my friends. I love to relax and have time for myself.
Which kind of music appeals to you?
I enjoy Nigerian music so much and I listen to R&B. My favourite artiste is Tupac; his music is good. In Nigeria, I love Tuface and P Square. They are very good as well.
Top sports personalities live flashy lifestyles. They drive big cars and live in big houses…
If you work so hard and you earn good money, you should try and live a good life. If you work so hard and you deserve it, then go out and get your comfort.
Having played against some of the world’s best strikers, which of them would you say gave you the toughest time so far?
I played against Manchester City’s Jesus Navas and it was tough against him. Every attacker is good and you just have to give your best. Actually, the result of a game determines whether you applaud yourself for a job well done or not.
What are your best and worst moments as a football player?
My best moment was when we won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa last year and my worst was when I was dropped from the team to the World Cup in Brazil because of an injury.
A lot of up-and-coming Nigerian players see you as their role model. What is your advice to them?
My advice to them is that they should believe in themselves, work hard and be prayerful. With that, they stand a good chance of becoming successful football players or persons in life.
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