I’m not the new Mikel – Igiebor

Lillestrom of Norway midfielder, Nosa Igiebor, nicknamed the New Mikel, talks to ’Tana Aiyejina on his performance in the Scandinavian country’s topflight league, the poor state of the Nigerian domestic league, the new Super Eagles coach and why he doesn’t want to be compared to Chelsea star Mikel Obi.



How would you assess your club’s performance in the just concluded Norwegian season?

Our performance was average because we didn’t live up to expectations. I think we can do better next season.

What about your own performance?

I don’t like blowing my trumpet; rather I leave people to assess my performance. I am rated number nine in the Top 25 players in the Norwegian top division. I think that shows that I am among the best in Norway.

You played for Warri Wolves in the Nigerian league before you travelled to Europe. How would you assess football in Nigeria and Europe?

There’s a big difference in terms of facilities, money, weather and most importantly, organisation. The Nigerian league is not organised. They fix kick-off date for the league and the league doesn‘t start on that day. The 2011/12 Norwegian league season begins in March and you cannot change the date. They pay you well and regularly too but in Nigeria, players are owed six months salaries. If you don‘t have money you shouldn’t run a club.

Has the nickname ‘New Mikel‘ put you under any pressure?

The nickname has never put me under pressure in any way. I am just Nosa and wouldn‘t want anybody to compare me with another player. I trained with Lillestrom for a few days and they accepted to offer me a contract.

My game is different because I don’t try to be what I am not. The only similarity between Mikel and I is that another club, Valerenga, said I was their player after signing for Lillestrom. It was like the feud that happened between Manchester United and Chelsea in Mikel’s transfer issue. That was why the Norwegian press called me the New Mikel.

What are the lessons you have learnt playing in Norway?

Norway is a good place for young Nigerian players to start their football careers in Europe. Their standard is so high that at first I couldn’t stand it. Their players are so fast and strong and if you survive in Norway, you can survive anywhere. My two seasons there have been great. Yes, it’s not as competitive as England but as a young player, I am happy to start in Norway and I hope to move on to bigger challenges.

You talked about challenges. Where would you like to play after Norway and why?

I love Spanish football. They play good football and not much running off the ball. For me, you can only express yourself when you are with the ball. It’s a dream to play in the La Liga and I hope it comes true soon.

How’s the performance of Nigerian players in Norway?

Solomon Owelo is doing very well. Anthony Ujah just came and he scored 14 goals. We (Nigerian players) are recognised as far as football is concerned in Norway.

Don’t you think playing in Norway has probably been the major reason why you have been excluded from the national teams?

I keep telling people that my time will come one day. People say I should be in the national team but I am not in a rush. There‘s time for everything and I believe I will surely get a chance to play for my country and help win laurels.
Source:.punchng