MBA COUNTS COSTS OF AFCON SUCCESS

Eagles midfielder bemoans loss of privacy following SA 2013 heroics

Super Eagles new midfielder, Sunday Mba, has revealed that success at the 29th Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa has made it impossible for him to walk on the streets freely.

Mba who is a subject of an ownership tussle between two Nigerian Premier Football League clubs, Rangers FC of Enugu and Warri Wolves FC, said that he is shocked at the reception fans and well wishers give him any time he is a public place.

“Although I am excited by the new status I now enjoy, at times I wish they would just allow me be my simple self without being mobbed,” Mba, who scored the only goal in the 2013 AFCON final against Burkina Faso, told Complete Sports. “I appreciate them a lot but the truth is that I now hide from them (fans) most times by staying indoors. But I give God the glory for everything.”

On the forthcoming World Cup qualifier against Kenya in Calabar, Mba said the Super Eagles basking in the euphoria of winning the African title will not want to lose to any team in Africa now.

He said that without sounding disrespectful, the Harambee Stars of Kenya will fall easily, adding that the Eagles will not underrate any country on their way to qualifying for the World Cup in Brazil next year.

He refused to comment on the ownership tussle between Warri Wolves and Enugu Rangers, stressing that all he wants is to play football. Pressed to say which club he wants to play for, he said his mind is with Rangers for whom he has signed for.

Mba is one the 24 home-based players currently in camp in Abuja preparing for the match against Kenya later this month in Calabar.