Cup put me on shop window says record man Ejiogu
Record man Ejiogu
'Arugo Monkey' makes history
Heartland record-breaking Chijoke Ejoigu has paid tribute to FC
Arugo whose exploits in the cup 13 years ago put him on the shop window.
‘Arugo Monkey’ first came to national prominence when he was the outstanding goalkeeper for non-league FC Arugo as they reached the semi-finals of the 1999 FA Cup and he has since won a record sixth cup winners’ medal playing for some of Nigeria’s foremost clubs like Enyimba, Dolphin and Heartland.
Ejiogu speaks to MTNFootball.com on his cup exploits and why he is almost unbeatable from the penalty spot.
The interview:
‘Arugo Monkey’ first came to national prominence when he was the outstanding goalkeeper for non-league FC Arugo as they reached the semi-finals of the 1999 FA Cup and he has since won a record sixth cup winners’ medal playing for some of Nigeria’s foremost clubs like Enyimba, Dolphin and Heartland.
Ejiogu speaks to MTNFootball.com on his cup exploits and why he is almost unbeatable from the penalty spot.
The interview:
MTNFootball.com: How do you feel winning the sixth
Federation Cup winners’ medal and thereby setting a new record in Nigerian
football?
Ejiogu: I give thanks to God almighty for making me achieve this. It was not my making, but God, though I worked hard for all I have achieved but he is the one who crowned my efforts. I am very happy and crave for more.
You were your team’s hero in the semi-final against Prime FC when you saved one of the penalties during the shootout. How did it feel helping your team to retain the cup competition?
I give glory to God again. I was not the hero against Prime, it was the whole team’s achievement. What happened in Ilorin against Prime was not what many people expected, but in the end our experience helped us out.
Do you undergo special training to save penalties?
Yes, I train to stop penalties and that has been working for me.
How will you describe you days at giant killers FC Arugo?
It was wonderful because that team exposed me to the world. I could recollect at FC Arugo the aim of all the players there was to play for Premier League teams, so when we did well in FA Cup, everybody was looking for players to sign from our team, and to God be the glory here I am today.
Who is your goalkeeper-role model?
He is Petr Cech. He is a fantastic player.
What informed your decision to become a goalkeeper as every young boy wants to play as an outfield player?
I love the profession, but I was inspired after I watched great keepers like Peter Rufai and Ike Shorunmu.
Do you always feel pressure whenever a match enters penalties and you are called to duty?
No. I have never been jittery whenever it comes to penalties. I am a goalkeeper and my job is to prevent balls from going into my net, whether during the game or during a penalty shootout.
What was the feeling like when your team won the 2012 Federation Cup at the expense of a hard-fighting Lobi Stars?
It was a great moment. We are all happy that we made it and will return to continent after we could not make it through the league.
You have played for FC Arugo, Dolphin, Akwa United, Enyimba and now Heartland FC, which has been your best club?
All the clubs I have played are good and I enjoyed myself there, but for now Heartland FC are doing well and I am happy there.
What do you dream of next?
To do well in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup and in the league with Heartland next season.
Ejiogu: I give thanks to God almighty for making me achieve this. It was not my making, but God, though I worked hard for all I have achieved but he is the one who crowned my efforts. I am very happy and crave for more.
You were your team’s hero in the semi-final against Prime FC when you saved one of the penalties during the shootout. How did it feel helping your team to retain the cup competition?
I give glory to God again. I was not the hero against Prime, it was the whole team’s achievement. What happened in Ilorin against Prime was not what many people expected, but in the end our experience helped us out.
Do you undergo special training to save penalties?
Yes, I train to stop penalties and that has been working for me.
How will you describe you days at giant killers FC Arugo?
It was wonderful because that team exposed me to the world. I could recollect at FC Arugo the aim of all the players there was to play for Premier League teams, so when we did well in FA Cup, everybody was looking for players to sign from our team, and to God be the glory here I am today.
Who is your goalkeeper-role model?
He is Petr Cech. He is a fantastic player.
What informed your decision to become a goalkeeper as every young boy wants to play as an outfield player?
I love the profession, but I was inspired after I watched great keepers like Peter Rufai and Ike Shorunmu.
Do you always feel pressure whenever a match enters penalties and you are called to duty?
No. I have never been jittery whenever it comes to penalties. I am a goalkeeper and my job is to prevent balls from going into my net, whether during the game or during a penalty shootout.
What was the feeling like when your team won the 2012 Federation Cup at the expense of a hard-fighting Lobi Stars?
It was a great moment. We are all happy that we made it and will return to continent after we could not make it through the league.
You have played for FC Arugo, Dolphin, Akwa United, Enyimba and now Heartland FC, which has been your best club?
All the clubs I have played are good and I enjoyed myself there, but for now Heartland FC are doing well and I am happy there.
What do you dream of next?
To do well in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup and in the league with Heartland next season.
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