Juwon Oshaniwa is from
yoruba speaking part of kogi(Okun).
When Super Eagles left-back, Juwon Oshaniwa,
stepped onto the pitch in the final game of the 2013
Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa in February, a lot of apprehensive Nigerians queried, “Juwon who?”
Their anxiety was expected. Just like Emmanuel
Amuneke in the final of the 1994 edition— when the
Eagles lifted the AFCON trophy for the second time—
Oshaniwa was on the bench all through the
competition, only appearing forthe first time in the final.
The 22-year-old came on for the injured first choice
left-back, Elderson Echiejile. But within minutes on
the pitch, Oshaniwa had won the hearts of Nigerians
with his amazing self-confidence , timely tackles,
overlapping runs and ability to read the game very well.
Now back at his club, Ashod, in Israel, Oshaniwa
tells’TANA AIYEJINA about his experiences in South
Africa, Israel and future expectations.
*
How has it been in the Israeli league since you
returned from South Africa?
It’s not been easy since I returned to Israel with the
change of weather. I was battling with fever and
malariabut thank God I am back on my feet and
hopefullyI am going to feature for my club this
weekend.

*How did your team officials and players welcome you backas an African champion?
The welcome back party was amazing, honestly it still
beats my imagination because I never expected the
reception I received when I arrived in Israel.
Everybody gathered around me and threw me up
and down, patting me on the back and singing for me as an African champion. It came as a surprise to
me. *
You didn’t get a chance to play in the competition
until the final when you came on for the injured
Echiejile. Howdid you feel sitting on the bench before
the final? It’s part of the game, everybody cannot play at the
sametime. I did take it in good fate and not with
envy. So that was just it. Football is all about time and
I was optimistic that my time will come and nobody
can take that away. That is the fact. And you could
see that I had a positive impact when I came on early in the game.

*What was going through your mind when coach
StephenKeshi told you to warm up to take Echiejile’s
place?

I felt it’s now or never; it’s either we take this trophy
now or never. So, I was very strong mentally and determined to put in my best and eventually we came
out victorious.
*
How did you feel winning the title the very first time
youwere participating in the tournament?

Honestly, I felt fulfilled and honoured. Our
performance actually convinced me that winning the AFCON title was just the beginning of new and better
things for the Super Eagles.
*
Several clubs would probably have come for your
signature after the AFCON victory. Have you been
approached?

Yes, some have indicated interest but I want to concentrate now on my club so that I can end the
seasonwell with them.
*
Are you looking forward to a move after the season?

Yes, I will say if God is willing because unto His hands
I commit my career. So let Him drive the wheel of my
careerfor me.
*From the group stage, most Nigerians didn’t have
faith in the squad; did you believe you guys could go
all the way and win it?

Sure because whatever you do as a person and you
are notconfident and courageous, then failure is not
far away from you. But we did believe in our own potential and hard work and God crowned our
efforts. At least everyonewas able to see what that
yielded us eventually.
*
After which game in the tournament did you actually
realise that the Eagles could win it?

Starting from the first game against Burkina Faso. You needed to be in our camp and see what God was
doing inour midst right from our first day in South
Africa.
*
How would you describe Keshi?

He is a great man. In fact he is a father, role model,
mentor, brave and courageous man.
*Since your winning debut against Beitar Jerusalem in
September last year, how would you describe the
Israeli league?

It’s a good and challenging league for a start. It’s
good for me and I like the country.
*
Why did you chose Israel ahead of other leagues in Europe?

I would say that is where my God wanted me to start
from and I am very happy beginning my European
career there.

*How was it like coping with new weather, food,
culture, people and language initially?
I am accustomed to all that now but it was not easy
initially. As a professional, I should be able to adapt
to anyenvironment I find myself.
*
What are your immediate plans as a footballer?

I studied Agricultural Technology at the Ahmadu
Bello University, Zaria. I just got that as a security now. I neverknew I was going to survive in life with
football but today, that is where my creator led me to.
I only took football as a career immediately I finished
school. I used to play for my school team and my
parents supported me.
*
What are the major challenges you have faced as a footballer?

Quite a lot I must confess, but I give God all the glory.
Scripturally everyday is full of challenges but what
makes you a man is when you are able to overcome
these challenges. So, I thank God for the grace to
carry on in spite of all those challenges.
*Do you have any worst moment as a footballer?

Can I remember any? Okay, I guess it was when I
was with Lobi Stars of Makurdi years back. I
sustained an injury thatkept me out for a whole
season. It was a big problem then and I really don’t
want to talk about it.
*Who is the toughest opponent you have played
against?

It is Jefferson Farfan, who plays for Schalke 04 in the
Bundesliga. I encountered him when we played Peru
last year in a friendly game. That guy is skillful, has
good technique on the ball, very fast and he has got a lot of energy and strength as well. But I was able to
keep him out even as a home-based player then.

*Who is your role model?
It is England and Chelsea left-back, Ashley Cole. His
work rate is very high and he is creative as well. He is
a player I want to emulate.
*Not much is known about you. Which state are you
from?

I am from the Yoruba-speaking(OKUN) part of Kogi State.

No be this guy almost cos us blunder for final when echejile or What is the name of that our left back got injured 70mins into the game?

I almost died when this guy came unto the field. He was so jittery.

He should up his game cos his performance was not convincing enough.

The way our footballers dash themselves ages is very amazing.
This guy studied in ABU, even if he did that simultaneously while playing for Lobi,he can't be 22.

I think say na only me see am before went to uni got injured for a whole year joined other clubs went abroa and is only 22? Hmmm OK o

Juwan may be a cool guy, but I doubt he's going to be on this team in the near future

@ all It is not easy to be called up at a big stage like Afcon final. Jittery, etc is expected of him, since he didnt played in the group stage to gather confidence. So please let allow him another chance.

Age check please ......