FC Zurich’s Nigerian striker Stephen Odey helped his side win 3-1 against Grasshoppers in the Swiss Super League on Saturday night and declared ‘war’ on their Europa League Round of 32 opponents Napoli
The Swiss side face Italian giants Napoli in the first leg of their elimination round at home this Thursday and Odey has vowed to fight and help his team past the Neapolitans over the two-legged fixture
In an exclusive chat with Completesports.com moments after the win over Grasshoppers, Odey admitted it would be a difficult fixture but nevertheless they can get through to the next round.
“Given the group we came through, not many people gave us the chance to be here, but we have shown confidence in our ability and the game against Napoli will not be different. We shall give a 100 percent and play without fear,” Odey told Completesports.com.
Odey, who has 12 goals in all competitions, is his team’s leading scorer. He was on target in the penultimate loss at St Gallen and also scored in their last group game of the Europa League against Ludogorets.
“It is a striker’s job to score and I want to get better with each game. Hopefully I can improve on my goals conversion rate and score more,” he said.
With a rich vein of form, it is expected that Odey should get a recall to the Super Eagles but the former MFM of Lagos forward said he would rather allow his goals and performances speak for him.
He said: “I have a strong belief in God’s time being the best. When it’s time I will get a call up and hopefully justify my invitation. Until then, we have to support whoever is called up to play.”
The Super Eagles, already qualified for 2019 AFCON, will face Seychelles in a dead-rubber qualifying game in March with fringe players expected to get the opportunity to stake a claim for regular spots in the team.