I Used 2014 Snub As Motivation — Utaka

By Daily Sports on July 1, 2020

Former Nigerian international attacker John Utaka says he has no hard feelings over missing the 2014 World Cup and adds that he used the snub as motivation to further his career.

The 38-year-old, who racked up a respectable 49 caps for the Super Eagles in his international career, was overlooked by coach Stephen Keshi for the World Cup in Brazil six years ago, despite having enjoyed a fine season for Turkish club Sivvaspor leading into the global event.

Utaka notably scored nine goals and provided three assists in 22 Super Lig appearances in 2013-14, leading to calls for him to be included in Keshi’s 23-man squad.

“I was disappointed but not upset. That was just it, I didn’t question anything, I did well for Nigeria and it was an honour to put on the National jersey. I just moved on and forgot about it,” the 38-year-old told Ojbsport.

“I did not really have a low point during my playing career. Maybe, I can say when I was not selected for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, it was somehow a low point for me.

“I saw it as a challenge because you know a football game comes with a lot of pressure. So whenever I come across a challenge I just brush it off because it can set you back if you dwell on it.

“I just turn to the bright side, take the positive part and keep going.”

Utaka, who currently works as a youth coach at French club Montpellier, was part of Nigeria’s squads at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups, as well as the 2004, 2006 and 2008 Africa Cup of Nations. (African Football)

•PHOTO: John Utaka 

Source Daily Sports

Posted July 1, 2020


 

You may also like...
CAF shuns African candidate, endorses Asian soccer chief...

Buhari Mourns Super Falcons Striker, Ifeanyi Chiejine

Coutinho Wants Premier League Return - Agent

Rohr heads to AFCON in Gabon after holidays...

Eagles star Ahmed Musa threatens legal action over...

Golbe praises Boboye on Plateau Utd's impressive season...

 

Latest News Hearn slams Ngannou over Joshua defeat excuse Chelsea eye Martinez to replace Osimhen Visa unveils Amusan, Nwachukwu as global ambassadors I’m not under pressure to coach Eagles – Finidi Super Eagles focused on World Cup qualifiers – Omeruo Ibrahim: Striker who wants to emulate Lukaku at Chelsea Boniface ranked best African performer in Europe Napoli may reduce Osimhen price tag Mali beat Nigeria 2-0 in international friendly NOC commends Team Nigeria, government, media for victory at African Games JOF U-13 Cup: 8 Clubs Qualify For Quarterfinals Osimhen resumes training, fit for Atalanta clash

 

Most Read Rangers International going, going . . . (53,383 views) Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (44,392 views) Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (42,542 views) Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (42,214 views) Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (41,999 views) Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (41,876 views) Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (41,759 views) NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (41,217 views) Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (40,266 views) Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (39,178 views) Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (37,626 views) John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (37,204 views)

 

Phone numbers

Tel: +234(0)8066020976
+234(0)8055068145
+234(0)7013416146
+234(0)8094272884

Email addresses

info@dailysportsng.com
support@dailysportsng.com
publisher@dailysportsng.com

Office address

No 3, Adetoun Close, Off College Road, Ogba, Ikeja Lagos.
Website: www.dailysportsng.com

Social Media