Adamo Nagalo on his first steps with the Etalons

Adamo Nagalo, you played your first match for Burkina Faso against Togo. How did you feel?

Adamo Nagalo: I felt good. We tried to pick up points. I'm well liked both on the pitch and off it. I feel comfortable. I was a bit nervous at the start but confident before kick-off, which helped me a lot. Also, together with my team-mates, we tried to put in a collective performance to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, CAN 2023. That was the main objective before kick-off. We did well, both individually and as a team.

On a personal level, how do you assess your first steps in the national team?

As I'm not used to playing in Africa, especially at the moment, it was difficult for me. I'd say I battled well (smiles). With the confidence I regained before kick-off, I think it wasn't bad over my 90 minutes.

What is the general feeling in the group after this qualification?

It has to be said that despite qualifying, we're not totally satisfied because we wanted to win. But in the absence of a win, we'll settle for the 1-1 draw, which opens the door to qualification for the finals of the competition (CAN Côte d'Ivoire 2023). Within the group, we want to do more, to do better than that. I think in the next matches we'll do better, win and consolidate top spot in our group (B).

Against Togo's Éperviers in Lomé, what was the toughest part for you?

We tried to adapt to everything. I think the pitch wasn't of very good quality. But the hardest job was done: managing to qualify. Otherwise, everything was difficult, on the pitch and off it, because you have to pay attention to instructions and keep glancing at the bench to look at the coach as well.

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We saw you talking with Adama Guira for a long time, before, during and even after the match…

Adama Guira is a senior player. As he's very experienced, it was to get information, how to read the game and other important details. I was just trying to listen to him and put his advice into practice.

At club level, how are things going at Nordsjaelland (Division 1 – Denmark)?

It's a good start with Nordsjaelland as well. But I can do more. That's life, you're never satisfied. With the matches to come, I'll try to prove that I can do better. At club level, I think we'll be happier before the end of the season than where we are now.

Do you want to move elsewhere?

Of course. And that's normal because everyone wants to go higher. So I'd really like to move to a more competitive club than where I am right now. A big club. We'll see by the end of the season or in the years ahead what my performances say.

Any idea yet about the next step after Nordsjaelland?

No, I have no fixed ideas. The door is open to all offers.

So there are already offers for a move?

Honestly, there are offers. But I admit I'm working to get bigger offers. So I'm concentrating on how to finish the season in order to get the best offers.

With Nordsjaelland, you have reached the semi-finals of the Danish Cup. How are you approaching the upcoming matches?

Yes, of course. We are in the semi-finals of the Danish Cup. Which is interesting. Honestly, we have every chance against our next opponents. I want to talk about the semi-final first, then the final. The aim is to win the cup. So we'll do everything we can to get there.

Ablam GNAMESSO