Ifeanyi Udeze remains a household name in Nigerian football, having played to the highest level with the national team, the Super Eagles, as a left fullback. A dedicated player with goalscoring abilities like former Chelsea defender, Celestine Babayaro, called it quits with the round leather game when his legs could no longer carry him on the pitch. The rugged and intelligent marker reveals everything about his life and career to The Point’s GBOLAHAN DADA in this interview. Excerpts:
Who is Ifeanyi Udeze?
I was born in Lagos, Nigeria on July 21, 1980 and I started my football career in Ajegunle. I played series of grassroots soccer competitions before joining Bendel Insurance FC in 1997 and Kavala FC in Greece, the following year, to commence my professional career.
I later moved to PAOK Thessaloniki, before pitching my tents with the English premiership club, West Brom Albion in 2003.
Injury played the big one in my career. I suffered so much. My legs were operated upon five times due to injuries. I struggled to come out of it, but all efforts proved abortive
In my first season with the club, I played in the Premier League after joining the club on loan in the latter stages of the season, but unfortunately at the end of the season, Albion were relegated.
On July 4, 2007, I returned to PAOK FC, signing a two-year deal, but a niggling knee injury prevented me from grabbing a first team shirt, and I was released after a year at the club.
When did you get into the national team and what impact did you make in Eagles?
Luckily, in 1997, I was selected to play for Nigeria at the inaugural UEFA-CAF Meridien Cup, held in Portugal, for the national under-aged team.
I later made my full international debut in 2001, with the national team; and I was also in the Nigerian team to the Africa Cup of Nations championship in 2002 and 2004, before crowning it with an appearance at 2002 FIFA World Cup at Korea/Japan under Chief Adegboye Onigbinde as the head coach.
At the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations held in Mali, I was selected among the players of the tournament.
Also, on some occasions, I was picked to play together with Babayaro. I later featured for Nigeria in a 2006 World Cup qualifier against Angola in 2005.
Why did you quit football early?
It’s a long story. Injury played the big one in my career. I suffered so much. My legs were operated upon five times due to injuries. I struggled to come out of it, but all efforts proved abortive; then I decided to quit the game for good. It was not by accident, the time came and I didn’t look back.
How do you manage the early exit?
I felt so bad, because I really missed football. Initially, it wasn’t so easy, but I adjusted to the situation and shifted my attention to other things that could give me life. So far, I had no regret, because God has been very supportive.
Nigerian football has been engulfed in crises in recent times, as a former national team player, what is your impression and the way forward?
I think they should find a way to resolve this crises, because we cannot go on like this and expect positive results.
In your days, we had overlapping defenders, who always supported the midfield and the attack, but now, we have a different style in Super Eagles, What do you think is the problem?
In my days, we were really determined and ready to play and die for our country. But now, it is a different ballgame. Again, it also depends on what the coach wants you to do on the pitch.
The present Nigerian Football Federation depends so much on government to fund matches and World Cup qualifiers, don’t you think it would affect our qualification for the Russia 2018 World Cup?
That is one of what they have to look into, because we cannot be depending on government every time we have a game, because it’s going to affect us some day.
How do you see the present team under Gernot Rohr?
I think the present Super Eagles are doing very well. The composition of young and promising players are just too fantastic. They have the qualities of a great team and with time, they will be a team to beat in the world. The players are hungry for success and honours.
What advise do you have for the Super Eagles and what do you think Rohr should do to build a solid team for the 2018 World Cup in Russia?
The Super Eagles should work more on their strength and capacity to score goals. What is more important is how to win our matches and scale through the qualifying hurdles. The Super Eagles need to come together and play as a team.
Any plan to return to the game as a coach, like your friends and former teammates?
No, absolutely no. These days, I do a lot of exercises to keep in shape. Football was part of my life, living without football is eating without drinking water. I have never enjoyed life without football. I stopped playing football eight years ago. Now I have retired for good. No more show for football. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Recently there was a report that you had problem with your marriage?
No, my marriage is intact. There’s no problem. My wife is around and we are happy together. My children are fine and alright. It was a rumour to pull me down, but my enemies have failed. If you are still doubting, you can come to my house and see things for yourself. I have a wonderful family.
Since you are no longer actively involved in football, what are you doing now?
I’m into business. I travel a lot on business trips outside the country. The name of my company is Danny Ude Oil. The company is named after my son, Danny
