Interview With Germany Based Striker KINGSLEY ONUEGBU

An expose on Nigeria’s newest sensation Kingsley Onuegbu who threatens to light up the German Bundesliga for his newly-promoted club SpVgg Greuther FuÌ�rth.

You are expected to make your first ever Bundesliga debut against mighty Bayern Munich this weekend. How are you looking up to the huge game, Kingsley?

Kingsley Onuegbu: ''You can imagine how I’m feeling expecting to play against the 22-time German Bundesliga champions considering where I am coming from. The feeling is enormous to say the least and the preparation leading up to the game has been superb. We spent some weeks in Austria for our pre-season build-ups and I must confess that it was hectic. My brother and mentor, Larry, just called me few minutes ago urging me to go tear Bayern net this weekend. So, I got a huge task on my hand on Saturday. The game will be played at home and our fans have been waiting for the game. We have tried to put smiles on their smiles by winning promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time since the birth of the club in 1903. I play in the attack and this is my third season and as usual, I will be expecting to hit the target or at least disturb the Bayern defence and assist my partners to score. It wont be easy for me but God on my side, I will be at my best.''

How was the journey to the Bundesliga like?
Kingsley Onuegbu: ''Never in the history of the club and the city of Furth has SpVgg Greuther Fu�rth played in the Bundesliga, so the journey was tough. But we won promotion at the end of last season by being champions of Bundesliga 2. We beat Eintranct Frankfyrt w i t h just two points to win t h e league t i t l e a n d won promotion for the first time. The city erupted and the fans partied for several weeks. It was like a fairy tale for them. The club campaigned since inception in the lower leagues until this seasn, so you could tell how the journey was for us.''

You’re relatively unknown in Nigeria, where are you coming from?
Kingsley Onuegbu: I’m still unknown but I must assure you that my name will be on the lips of every Nigerian very soon. I’m one of the three Nigerians playing in the Bundesliga now and I’m deeply honoured for it. The season will soon begin and with time Nigerians will start clamouring for my inclusion in the Super Eagles. I have been playing in Germany for the past five years. I came through the ranks from the fifth division to the top flight where I am now. I was club top scorer for three seasons in my previous clubs. I’m glad for getting this far. I was only in Germany for vacation when I was spotted by a scout playing in the park. I signed for SC Idar-Oberstein in the fifth division and emerged top scorer for two seasons before I moved to third division club, Eintracht Braunschweig, spending three seasons and finishing club’s top scorer. ''

What are your targets?

Kingsley Onuegbu: ''Since I arrived Germany, I had always dreamt of playing for my country and I know the dream will soon become a reality because many Nigerians will get to watch me this season in the German top flight. I was born and bred in Kaduna where I honed my football skills. Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has made inquiries about me and I’m happy about this. I’m very optimistic, he will invite me soon. I have played all my career in Germany and playing in the English Premiership won’t be a bad idea. My brother, Larry, who also owns an academy back in Nigeria, is also working on my movement to England.''

How do you play since some Nigerians are yet to know you?
Kingsley Onuegbu: ''I’m full of skill, power and speed and complementing those attributes with my good height makes me a complete striker. I score goals too and I’m a fighter who hates to lose. My work rate is high too.''