It has been a difficult season at club level for Victor Ikpeba at first Borussia Dortmund and now in Spain with Real Betis.

He's now waiting for a chance to show what he can do with the Super Eagles after the penalty shoot-out that decided the last tournament in Lagos, perhaps the Nations Cup owes him something.

Victor told Africansport how the Super Eagles viewed their start to the
campaign.

Q How did you feel about the Super Eagles start to CAN 2002?
A It was just the first game of the competition and in the first half we just wanted to get used to our surroundings. There is always tension when you start a competition and you are one of the favourites. I think we were able to improve in the second half and winning was a logical conclusion. The Algerians played well but I think as this was just the first game we have a lot of hope that we will improve.

Q Is the squad in good spirits?
AI think it is great to come out with three points. You can see other games where everyone fights so hard not to lose. This is normal in the first stage of the competition. When you get to the quarter and semi finals then teams have to play to win.

QDoes the coach intend to rotate the squad?
AI don't know. I'm here and part of the 22. All the other players are good ones as well. It is not a big deal that I did not play yesterday. We still have five games to play to get to the final and if they need me, I'll be able to go in and show my experience and what I can do. At the end of the day it is the coach who decides.

QAre you happy with your personal form?
AI haven't played so much last year as I had some physical problems and different stuff. But that doesn't matter as when it comes to highest stage in football I know I can play so I can say right now I think I'm in good shape and it all depends on the coach.

QThere have been a lot of complaints about the pitch. What did you think of it?
AI think the pitch is very bad. When you see it from the television it looks very green, but I think they have to work harder on it. We don't want to use it as an excuse but you can see that it is difficult to control the ball and give good passes. Its' a bit of a problem when compared to playing in South America or Europe.