Azubuike Egwuekwe has been doing impressive things in recent seasons with Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) club, Warri Wolves. Wolves are the only Nigerian side in the running for glory in CAF club competitions (Confederation Cup) this season and the imposing Egwuekwe has been leading the charge from the front. The Nigerian international defender is still pained at Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations and he recently sat down with supersport.com to discuss some of the more unconventional things about himself. Excerpts:
As a kicker, what is your favourite food?
Bitter leaf and ‘Akpu’ (local delicacy made from cassava).
Can you share with us, names of your best friends in football?
My best teammate at Warri Wolves is Uche Ossai. We both joined the club at the same time and have a great relationship.
In the Super Eagles, Brown Ideye is my best friend. He’s such an unassuming and gentle human being.
Who is the one celebrity you would not mind dating?
Tiwa Savage, Nigerian singer is it. She’s beautiful and talented. She is the woman for me.
What about your best-dressed teammate?
Oghenekaro Etebo is my best-dressed teammate. Sometimes, I wonder if he arranges the clothes he will wear the next day hours before putting them on.
At the Super Eagles, the best-dressed is Azubuike Egwuekwe!
What your worst-dressed teammate?
Ojo Mine at Wolves. I am sorry I have to do this but yes, Ojo Mine is it.
The worst dressed player in the national team is Nnamdi Oduamadi. Very, very poor dresser.
Who is the most difficult footballer you have ever faced?
That has to be Mario Balotelli. Those who criticise him probably have never faced him on the pitch.
He’s extremely strong and good on the ball and even aerially too.
And your best goal?
(Laughs) I scored a great one for (now defunct) NPA against Sunshine Stars at Onikan Stadium in Lagos. That was in 2008. I hit it from the centre circle and the goalkeeper had little chance (pauses)… It was a special strike.
Who is the best coach you have ever worked with?
Coach Stephen Keshi is a great coach. He makes footballers believe in themselves. He is also one of the few coaches who gives players the opportunity to do the business for the national team irrespective of where they ply their trade.
Which team is your favourite football club in the world?
That has to be Manchester United. I have supported Man United from my days as a kid.
Between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who is your best?
I will choose Ronaldo first because he’s a Man United product and also because he’s the greatest footballer in the world.
What about your favourite automobile?
Convertible… the one that has a single door and an open roof. When you drive such a car, you understand what it means to live in heaven while on earth.
Tell us about your favourite holiday destination?
Anywhere in the United States. I will go for a visit during the next off season.
What about your favourite colour?
White is it!
Can you also tell us your best memory in football?
Winning the AFCON title with Nigeria in 2013 was a sweet experience. Nothing beats that till this moment.
What about your worst memory in football?
When Nigeria failed to reach the 2015 AFCON finals. I have never felt that bad in my life… To be honest, it still hurts!
Finally, what would you do if you found $100 million in your bank account?
I would invest it and use 25 per cent of it for charity work.
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