Argentine-based Nigerian attacking midfielder Felix Orode wishes to set the record straight regarding an interview he granted to Argentine Radio in which he stated that Nigerians are afraid of Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

The Defensores de Pronunciamiento (Entre Ríos) star has not denied the fact that those comments were not twisted, however, he blamed it on miscommunication, arguing that he is not fluent in Spanish.

''The interview was in Spanish, I do not speak Spanish very well. I meant to say Nigerians respect Messi, not that they are afraid of him,'' said Orode to allnigeriasoccer.com.

''Nigeria will win all the matches regardless of the rival,  Nigeria will respect Leo Messi because he is the best player in the world but this is football and anything can happen.

''I would like to have an opportunity in the national team, I was in the U20 team and it is my dream to dress again in the colors of my country. Here in Argentina I am scoring goals in the games.''

Orode has turned out for Argentine clubs San Lorenzo, Nueva Chicago, CAI, Excursionistas, Luján, Comunicaciones, Sportivo Barracas and Defensores de Pronunciamiento.

The 27-year-old is married to an Argentine lady and has two kids.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel