Fanendo Adi unfazed by Nigeria snub

.Says 2018 W/Cup, a must for Super Eagles

By Akeem Lawal

IN-FORM Portland Timbers striker, Fanendo Adi says he is not worried over his continuous Super Eagles’ snub, but will keep focusing on scoring goals for his club to get another good chance from the new coach, Gernot Rohr.

Adi, who was an unused substitute in the Super Eagles' squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Egypt in March, has been in great scoring form for the Timbers.

The Nigerian forward increased his goal tally to 13 this season after hitting target in a 4-2 Major League Soccer match day 27 victory over Seattle Sounders in the Cascadia derby. He is currently placed fifth in the MLS goalscorers' rank.

 “I’m not regretting saying yes to Nigeria, I am equally not frustrated, everything is with the coach, I am ready to serve just like every other invited players in the team but I am never worried, rather to keep doing well here and I have a better chance anytime,” said Adi.

“My focus is to remain at my best, playing and scoring every week for my club is enough to prove me right and I want to keep doing well and always ready to have a better chance whenever I am call again. Lifting my team is my topmost priority, so I want to score more and go beyond what I did last season.”

“Of course, I am enjoying every moment here, it’s been wonderful and I am very happy in the city and everything is working fine, and that’s why I can’t resist scoring for the team. The fans and the club always give me joy on the pitch, so I am indebted to deliver.”

Speaking on Nigeria chance in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, he said: “I am still convinced we will qualify, obviously, the chances are slim base on the recent performance of the team and its inability to qualify for Nations Cup but I believe that will be more reason for the country to qualify for World Cup. Qualifying for World Cup is a must for us, and that’s the only way to remain in a driving seat of top team in Africa.”

The 25 year old scored 18 goals in the 2015 season to lead Timbers to their first ever MLS Cup title.