Ikoli Victor Doha
Former Super Eagles and Al Rayyan striker Kalu Uche believes the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will produce magical moments to awe football fans and change critics’ perceptions of the Middle East and Arab world.With just 90 days to go for the first Middle East and Arab World Cup, the 39-year-old Nigerian, who played for Al Rayyan and the defunct El Jaish in Qatar from 2013 to 2015, was in the country to check things out during a QNB Stars League match between Al Sadd and Al Ahli. Kalu spent the majority of his career with Almeria in the Spanish La Liga under current Al Sadd coach Juanma Lillo.“Everything has changed since my last visit in 2015, and I can’t seem to find my way around the Doha metropolis,” the former Al Rayyan player said, adding, “I am here to watch Al Sadd with my former coach in charge.”Kalu, who debuted for Nigeria at the age of 21 and has 38 caps for his national team, has also played in the Indian Super League and has represented three teams ATK, Odisha FC and Pune City.Kalu has played for 15 club teams round the world including Wisla Krakow.When asked about the first World Cup in the Middle East, Kalu Uche stated, “It is incredible that Qatar will be the first Middle Eastern country to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022. They have spent billions of dollars building some of the most environmentally friendly and architecturally advanced sporting facilities, as well as undertaking massive economic and infrastructure developments. The World Cup in Qatar will be incredible as many people who have never visited the country will be blown away.”Kalu, who played for Nigeria in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, draws parallels between it and Qatar’s special World Cup, which begins on November 20 and runs until December 18. “Just as the World Cup in South Africa was a continental event rather than a national one, Qatar’s World Cup is an Arab World Cup. The 2010 African World Cup was the first, and Qatar’s is the first in the Middle East. South Africa was criticized prior to the 2010 World Cup, and the same is happening now. The World Cup in South Africa brought Africans together and changed negative stereotypes. I believe Qatar is on the verge of surprising the rest of the world, and the key achievement will be changing perceptions.”The Nigerian also stated that the 2022 World Cup will provide people with first hand knowledge of the region’s people, culture, and way of life. “Most of the criticisms of Qatar are based on ignorance and hearsay, as in South Africa. I hope the World Cup gives international fans with fond memories of the region a better image and understanding of the region.”Kalu also mentioned that his participation in the tournament was incredible and a dream come true for him. “Every player’s dream is to compete in the World Cup. Despite the fact that Nigeria did not qualify for the knockout stages, I not only participated but also scored two goals.” The striker stated that being selected for the World Cup is the best motivation for Qatari players. He urged the players to cherish the memory and give their all for the country, knowing they would be cheered on by home fans. Qatar will play Ecuador in the opening game of the World Cup on November 20 at the Al Bayt Stadium.With Ghana, Senegal, and Cameroon falling short in the quarter-finals in previous editions, no African team has reached the World Cup semi-finals. He believes that at least one of Africa’s five representatives will advance to the semi-finals at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
