Opara targets Africa and Europe

By Jenny Horrocks

Opara's contract with Etoile du Sahel expires on 22 December

Nigeria's Emeka Opara is hoping a good showing in the return leg of the Confederation Cup final can spring a place in the national team and a move to Europe.

The 21-year-old, who plays for Tunisia's Etoile du Sahel, is the joint leading scorer in the Confederation Cup with eight goals.

After the first leg of the final ended 1-1 in Morocco, the forward intends to net against FAR Rabat on 2 December to not only clinch the trophy but also land the top scorer prize.

The Nigerian also hopes that a good performance in the second most prestigious final in African club competition will oil the wheels of a move to Europe.

"My contract with Etoile finishes on 22 December," Opara told BBC Sport.

"I have many contacts in France and there are about 3-4 clubs there who are interested in giving me a contract.

"The only thing that's missing is a national team call-up."

Unlike the rules in England, Opara does not need regular international experience with Nigeria to gain a work permit in France but it would make him a more attractive purchase.

"I know that everybody is watching this game and I am going to give all I have to make sure I play very well and that my club lift the trophy," the Nigerian added.

"We were very happy after the draw in Rabat but we wanted to win.

"The Moroccans are a good team and it is not going to be easy but I know that we are going to come out victorious at the end.

"We have been two-time finalists in the last two years and lost both finals, but this year no team is going to stop us."

Etoile reached the final of the Champions League in both 2004 and 2005, but were undone by Nigeria's Enyimba and then Ahly of Egypt on both occasions.

The 2003 Cup Winners Cup winners are contesting their fourth final in a row as they bid to win their inaugural Confederation Cup title.

Opara is also hoping a good display can earn him a national call-up.

"I'm not saying that because I'm the highest scorer in the Confederation Cup that I should be in the national team," explained a man who shares top spot with Petro Atletico's Alberto Mateus.

"Austin Eguavoen is the Nigeria coach and has the final say. I believe it is not yet my time with the Super Eagles."