Oleksandr Karavaev: “We will try to please Dnipro fans in the match with Nigeria”

10.09.2019 10:57

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

Defender of the national team of Ukraine Oleksandr Karavayev spoke about the setting of the blue-yellows for a friendly match against the team of Nigeria, which will take place on September 10 at the Dnipro Arena.

- Alexander, you did not take part in the match with Lithuania, but you probably have a chance to play in the game against Nigeria. Is there a motivation for a friendly match?

- Of course, I go to every match with a sense of responsibility. Whoever comes out to play will be taught one hundred percent.

- Will there be a chance to prove your ability to coaches?

- Everyone wants to play and prove to the coaching staff that they can help the team not only in friendly matches, but also in official ones. I am sure that each player will try to do his best to prove himself.

- The Nigerian national team is a bronze medalist of the African Championship. A strong opponent is waiting for Ukraine. What do you know about this team?

- We know that it consists of strong, athletic players. Representatives of African football have always been distinguished by power, athleticism and high speed. Many of them play in Europe. We have an interesting match ahead of us, it will be nice to play with this opponent. In Nigeria, I know Emmanuel Dennis, who once played for Zora.

- The match will take place in Dnipro, where the national team has not played for 10 years. Do you think local fans missed the national team?

- In the Dnieper, fans have always been distinguished by their charge. Zhenya Konoplyanka was always warmly supported. The national team really hasn't played here for a long time, so there will probably be a lot of spectators, however, as in other cities. We will also try to please them.

- Is Konoplyanka looking forward to this match?

- Of course. We talked to him about it. I told him that you would cry when you came to Dnipro-Arena. For him, this is his hometown, his home stadium, where he had many good fights. I'm sure Eugene will have a lot of emotions.