28. Victor Anichebe - 2007/08

Stay At Home Vic

After spending a week in hospital suffering from the lurgy a trip to Spain would boost anyone's spirits, but Big Vic he has had to stay at home while the rest of the first team squad flew out for some R&R and some sunshine to sunny Spain. Vic though is on the mend and under the watchful eye of the Blues Medical staff (Basil Rathbone apart, he was last seen packing his sombrero and sun cream running out of Finch Farm) as he battles to give Moyesy some much needed cover up front.

Vic says: "I came back from the Nigeria game last week on a high and looking forward to the derby. But I could feel myself getting a little ill - I just thought it was nothing. Then during the day I came back I kept getting bad pains in my stomach. I tried to sleep it off but I couldn’t really eat because it was so bad. So then I had to go into the hospital and I was in there all night on a drip. It was a bad experience and I never want to go to hospital again. I didn't eat for four days and I wasn't well enough to join the squad in Spain. But now I’m better, so hopefully I can look forward to the next game. I still don’t feel 100 per cent, I still feel quite weak because I have only just started eating, but hopefully I can get my strength back in time for the weekend." (03/04/08)

Mystery Illness

Vic spent Saturday night in hospital with a mystery illness. He has had tests to find out what the problem is.Tthe results are expected early next week.

Moyesy says: "We think he has picked up something while he was away with Nigeria, and he is still having tests in hospital."
(30/03/08)

Breathe And The Goals Will Come

Big Vic had trouble breathing on his Olympic debut, but still managed a goal.

Nigeria U23 boss Samson Siasia says: "Most of these guys from Europe had the weather problem. I actually wanted to start Anichebe in the match, but when I spoke with him he said he felt there was no air (to breathe) in the stadium and it was difficult for him to breathe so I had to put him on the bench. I decided to put him on the bench and see how he fits in because this is the first time he was with the rest of the players. This meant that when he went in, he understood how the game was being played, and would be able to perform better. That boy is a good player. He is strong and he uses his body very well and he scores goals too. So I think he is a good inclusion in the team." (30/03/08)

Called Up

Vic has been called ip to the Nigerian squad for the Olympic Games qualifier against South Africa on March 26.

Nigerian coach Samson Siasia says: "He's a fantastic player and this is a great opportunity for him to be a part of this brilliant team on the verge of history.

"Surely, he must have been disappointed for not making the team to Ghana but all that should be in the past now. We hope he will take this chance and show how mentally strong he is because I see in him a fighter and a good striker."(26/02/08)

Vic The Terrier

Victor's team mates are delighted when he comes off the bench and does the damage.

Harry Hill Carsley says: "He comes on when defences are getting tired, they don't know what is about to happen to them, and he has done the job really well. He terrorises people. Considering his age, he is a fantastic player for the club for years to come." (17/02/08)

Super Sub My Arse

Big Vic is playing down his newly acquired Super Sub tag, admitting that he is still a long way away from being the finished article of a striker he will no doubt become. Big Vic who is making a habit off coming off the bench to grab the goals in Europe this season, is hoping that he can carry on his incredible scoring feat all the way to the City of Manchester Stadium on May 14th.

Big Vic says: "I have still got a lot of work to do to be the finished article and for the gaffer to put me in from the start. I see that sometimes, when I get put in from the start I am not as effective as when I am coming on. So I still need to work on a lot of things but Europe has been a big boost for me. It is going good at the moment. Four goals in six games - if you had told me that at the start of the season I would have been over the moon. Hopefully I can keep scoring in Europe but the most important thing is that the team does well. I wouldn't say I'm a secret weapon,. Hopefully I can keep doing it until the end of the competition, hopefully the final. We are not going to get ahead of ourselves but hopefully I can keep doing it." (15/02/08)

Up To The Challenge

Big Vic lead the line well against City. In another challenge he came up against Internationals, Micah Richards and former Everton favourite Richard Dunne

Vic says: “Dunne is one of the best defenders I’ve ever played against. He’s fast, he’s strong, he’s good in the air and he reads the game well. I don’t know why he’s not known as a top, top player because he is great. Micah Richards is a good friend of mine and he’s a great athlete and a good player as well, as is Nedum Onouha. They’re all top players so it was great to get a good result.” (14/01/08)

Disappointed But Not Surprised

Moyesy is disappointed for Big Vic but not surprised that his Nigerian born forward has not made Berti Vogt's Squad for next year African Nations Tournament. With The Yak from the Blues, Kanu and John Utaka from Pompey, and Obafemi Martins from the skunks all in the squad, Big Vic was always going to struggle to get in the starting line up, so Nigeria's loss is the Blues gain.

Moyesy says: "I think they have got a fantastic array of centre-forwards for Nigeria and that is probably the reason why. I have not looked at the finer details (regarding the African Nations call-ups) and I don't have the information yet but I do know I believe Nigeria are going to let players come back to play right up to the start of the tournament. We are disappointed Victor is not in the squad but in the same breath we are glad he will be here with us." (11/12/07)

It Was My Hand Honest

Big Vic is clearing up the speculation why he pulled out of the Nigeria squad last week. He is adamant that he needed to rest after playing the last few matches with his ropey hand. The Blues Medical Staff made contact with the Nigerian FA to express their concerns over Vic's hand, and that is why he pulled out. Nigerian Officials however have made comments regarding Vic's reluctance to pull on the Green of Nigeria, instead claiming he was waiting to pull on the White of England. Most Blues fans probably don't care were Big Vic's International allegiances lie, just as long as he carries on his scoring form for the lads in the Royal Blue.

Big Vic says: "Having felt a reaction in my hand after playing against Nurnburg and Chelsea it was clear to me and the medical team at Everton that I need to give it some time otherwise there was the potential for some long term damage. The break for the international matches presented me with that opportunity and having talked it through I decided it would better long term if I did not make myself available for the match against Australia.

Everton did make contact with the Nigerian Football Association revealing their concerns regarding the injury and pointed to the fact that since the fracture took place I had not played as much football as I may have done if fully fit. Clearly any professional footballer has aspirations to play international football and I am delighted I have been fortunate enough to be given that opportunity by Nigeria. But my first priority has to be with Everton and ensuring I am fit and available for the run of important games we have got coming up in the next few weeks." (19/11/07)

3 In Three For Vic

Young Vic scored Everton's winner in the 2-0 against Nuremberg. He has now scored 3 goals in 3 consecutive UEFA Cup games, but the Everton favorite was quick to give credit to The Yak.

Vic says: "Yak was excellent. It's tough playing up front on your own and the pitch was absolutely enormous. He covered so much ground to wear the defenders down.

"He's done that a few times for me now and I've just managed to come on and picked up the pieces. He's set everything up for me. I'm learning so much from him. His game is all about strength but he has scored a lot of goals and I'm doing my best to take his advice. "He is a great player and is going to be excellent for us. He gives me so many great pointers. I feel my game has got better this season and he has definitely played a part in that. He's been there, scored a lot of goals and his record speaks for itself."

"I'm just enjoying everything at the moment. I had a feeling that I was going to score if I got on but that goes down as one of my favourites. I was really pleased with it. Full credit to Steven Pienaar for putting me through with such a great pass.

"I don't look at European football any differently. All I try to do is come on and do my best and score if I can." (09/11/07)

Positive and Professional

Instead of sulking because the Yak has taken his place, Vic has been very positive and professional.

Vic says: "Yakubu will bring out the best in everybody. There are a lot of strikers so everyone will have to fight for their place and you will only play if you do well. Every one of us offers something different. Yak is a great player. He is strong, fast and he scores a lot of goals so he is a great addition to the squad. I have enjoyed the start of the season. I have got a few games under my belt and I got a goal in the first game and obviously that was a big boost for me. All we have had is one bad game at Reading and we just have to forget about that." (03/09/07)

Minor Injury

Vic came off injured at Reading, but Mick Rathbone has had a look and it's not that serious.

Basil says: "Victor landed awkwardly during the Reading match and jarred his ankle. I have had a look at it this morning and it is a minor problem." (19/08/07)

Opening Goal

Vic scored the winner in Everton's opening 2-1 win against Wigan. His manager was happy with his display. Vic was happy with his partnership with AJ.

Vic says: "I am delighted. When the ball came to me I was scared - that was the most scared i have been for a while. I had a chance like that in training on Friday and missed it! It was good to see it go in but we have been working hard in pre-season on linking up like that. AJ did really well - he told me to hang at the back post during half-time and it came to me thanks to AJ so I was delighted."

Moyesy says: "I thought Victor Anichebe played very well today - he is a young boy and he tired a little in the heat. It was quite difficult for him but in the first half he was a real handful and I thought he deserved to score. Hopefully that will help with his confidence and this is a chance for him." (12/08/07)

Vic Last Season      Full Squad 2007/2008