TheCable

Azubuike Egwuekwe, former Super Eagles defender, says he can have a long career like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Egwuekwe, 32, was a member of the Super Eagles team that won the 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

He returned to the country two years ago to ply his trade in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) with Rivers United after a stint abroad.

“At 32 in my career, I still believe that I have a lot to offer. I am not even thinking about retirement now,” Egwuekwe told TheCable.

“Because if Ibrahimovic can play up to 39 years of age, Cristiano Ronaldo can play up to 36, so, I also believe I have a lot to give in my career.

“I am still training and working hard and believing that by the grace of God, I am going to get a club very soon.”

Egwuekwe played for Finnish side KuPs for two years, where he made 50 league appearances before joining Supersport United.

The Nigeria international left the South African club in 2017, after which he joined Al-Nasr Benghazi in 2019 before returning to the NPFL.

“Why I decided not to play in the NPFL season that just ended was because I felt really bad over the way I was treated at Rivers United the last two seasons,” he added.

“They treated me like I was old and I cannot play. And when they gave me a chance, I proved everybody wrong. And the same thing continued. So, the fear of being treated the same way made me not to bother about playing in the Nigerian league.”

Egwuekwe netted twice in 34 appearances for the Super Eagles.