New Super Eagles midfielder and Enyimba FC star, Otekpa Eneji has said playing alongside Chelsea's John Mikel Obi, Osaze Odemwingie and Kalu Uche against Madagascar was a source of inspiration to him and he would not mind if that continues as the national team seeks the 2012 Africa Nations Cup.

Speaking to Trustsports yesterday, the petit midfielder said he learnt a lot from the trio and will forever cherish the moments he shared with them on the UJ Esuene stadium playing pitch.

He said it was his dream to play alongside some of the stars in the Super Eagles and when the opportunity was provided by the acting coach of the team, Austin Eguavoen, he grabbed it with both hands.

Eneji who had his first cap for the country in the international friendly against South Korea noted that when he first joined the senior national team, he was a bit jittery but the coach of the team sat him down and instilled into him the much needed confidence.

"I want to say that playing alongside stars like John Mikel Obi, Osaze Odemwingie and Kalu Uche was a source of inspiration to me. I really had good time because they gave me the needed confidence. I learnt a lot from all of them. From progressive passing to positioning, I learnt a lot from them.

"Even before I was called upon to play, I was busy studying these players' passes and runs on and off the ball. And when I went in, it did not take me long to settle down.

"I had my baptismal fire against South Korea so playing against Madagascar did not put me under any pressure. Moreover, we got the necessary support from the senior players and there was no cause for us to be jittery", he stated.

Eneji used the opportunity to commend coach Eguavoen for the opportunity given them to represent their fatherland as he reiterated that they will forever be grateful to the former Enyimba FC coach. In addition, he thanked the senior players for accepting them as their younger brothers saying in football, it is easy to frustrate players like them who are just coming up.

"I want to use this medium to say a big thank you to coach Eguavoen for displaying enormous confidence in the home based Eagles. We are not going to let him down. I want to also thank the senior players who have accepted us whole heartedly. "It is not easy to put on the national colours out of 140 million Nigerians. Therefore, I will not let this opportunity slip through my fingers. I hope to keep playing well so that the coaches will continue to select me.

The midfielder who is the toast of many European clubs said his priority is to become an integral member of the Super Eagles in the near future.