Experience, Team Unity, Will Work for Us in Ethiopia- John Ogu.

Super Eagles midfielder John Ogu says the coach Stephen Keshi-led boys will ensure the experience gathered from June’s Fifa Confederation Cup works for them, when they take on Ethiopia.

Sunday’s 2014 World Cup African zone third round qualifier between both nations marks the tenth meeting involving Ethiopia and Nigeria. The African champions have won more of their previous encounters with seven victories against the ‘Walyas Antelopes’s’ solitary win in 1993, while a draw has been recorded.
The Academica de Coimbra midfielder, however, was not a member of the squad which saw off the Ethiopians in February at the 2013 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) in South Africa, but had his first international call-up a month later.
Having impressed coach Keshi in his debut against Kenya in March at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Ogu has become a regular member of Eagles’ squad and was named in the 23-man party to the Confederation Cup in Brazil.
His partnership alongside John Obi Mikel and Ogenyi Onazi in the middle of the pack has been impressive. He opined it has been so far so good for him because he “simply plays to the coach’s instruction.”
The 25-year-old playmaker, whose only international goal came in the 2-2 friendly draw against the ‘El Tri’ of Mexico in May, told MTNFootball.com that the Eagles are United and ready to return to Brazil.

John Ogu Celebrates Scoring Against Mexico in Houston.

“Fifa Confederations Cup was a great experience for me,” he said. “My mind now is on the game against Ethiopia on Sunday. We all want to produce a good result for our nation.”

John Ogu Playing for Nigeria in the Mandella Challenge Cup.

Moreover, Nigeria will be looking to cap off a sensational year with the ticket to a fifth World Cup in the nation’s history. Asked what has been the factor behind Eagles’ rise, Ogu said:
“Firstly, God. We are united in the team like one family. The hard work we have put in is also paying off.”
The team is expected to leave for Addis Ababa on Saturday for the decisive first-leg encounter. All the 23 players invited for the match have all arrived, the last been Real Betis midfielder, Nosa Igiebor and Newcastle’s Shola Ameobi.
The return leg is slated for Saturday November 16 at the UJ Esuene Stadium.