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Arsenal target Sunday Mba 

 

The Nigeria midfielder enjoyed a breakthrough season following his match-winning Afcon contributions and is hoping his rise to prominence will bring about a move

EXCLUSIVE
By Segun Ogunjimi

Sunday Mba is hopeful that his selection in this year's Goal 50 will boost his profile as he looks to secure a move to European football.

The Nigeria midfielder was linked with a transfer to Arsenal following his superb displays at the Africa Cup of Nations, but a contract wrangle with Warri Wolves put paid to his ambitions of playing in Europe.

Now the 26-year-old is optimistic that he is back on track, and expressed his pleasure at his inclusion at No.24 in Goal's countdown of the finest players of 2012-13.

GOAL 50: THE TOP 10

"I am on top of the world to hear this," he told Goal.

"It is a thing of joy to me. It is not easy for me to make the Goal 50. It will really go a long way to push my football career forward. I am so happy about that."

Mba was the star of the show as Nigeria won the Afcon in January, netting the only goal of the final against Burkina Faso as well as in the quarter-finals against star-studded Cote d'Ivoire.

He was also selected in Stephen Keshi's squad for the recent Confederations Cup, and is ready to meet the demands that come with being one of Nigeria's most prominent players.

"The feeling within me right now is of fulfilment, that I have made my country and family proud with this recognition," he added.

"It means more hard work for me from now on in order to maintain the tempo and expectations from not only Nigeria but the world at large. I hope to continue in this way to make my fans happy."

Warri have allowed Mba to play on loan at Enugu Rangers for the remainder of the NPFL season after which he hopes to secure a permanent move, with La Liga his preferred destination.

"I love Barcelona as a club but I am not saying any deal is coming from there for now," he said. "I cannot say which club for now but any good club that comes for me I will go, even if it is an African club side."

Mba, finally, admitted his fondness for Goal, concluding, "Each time I want to get football news I go there. The site gives me authentic information that I seek."