One-on-One with Nelson Akwari

VIN DUFFY
CHARLESTON BATTER

Nelson Akwari hopes to help the Battery win the U.S. Open Cup against D.C. United on Wednesday night.

What's it going to be like to play against D.C. United in the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday?

"It's going to be awesome. There are a lot of guys playing in the MLS that don't get this chance, so I'm really looking forward to it. It would so huge for this club to win a Cup championship. The ownership group, the coaching staff, the fans all deserve it. It would be a great accomplishment. It would be great for the USL as well."

You guys beat FC Dallas and Houston on your way to the final. The MLS seems to be a league made up of aging stars and young players. Is that why teams from the USL First Division do so well against them in the U.S. Open Cup?

"The MLS doesn't have those 'middle class' blue collar workers on their teams. They have some very talented players, but they don't have a lot of depth. Guys on our team like Stephen Armstrong, John Wilson, Marco Reda, Lazo Alavanja, older guys that have been around should be playing in the MLS, but the MLS doesn't have many players like that. I think it's becoming a problem."

Your faith in God is a very important to you. How does your faith impact you on and off the field?

"It keeps me humble and focused on the next day. It also has shown me that winning and losing on the soccer field are secondary things in my life. I'm competitive and I love to win, but regardless of how I play or what the result was, at the end of the day, soccer is just a game. Soccer is my job for 3-4 hours a day. My faith in God is there all the time."

"How does a kid from Houston with your athletic talent end up playing soccer instead of football?"

"My parents are Nigerian, so that's my excuse (laughing). I grew up in a soccer household. I played some football in middle school and high school, but my first love was always soccer."

What position did you play?

"I was a place-kicker. I played some running back and safety as well."

Did you ever kick a game-winning field goal?

"I did actually when I was a freshman. I kicked a 44-yard field goal to win the game. That's my one claim to fame in football."

Did coaches push you into football before soccer?

"All the time. In Texas, football is the sport when it comes to athletics. People in Texas think football and college scholarship and going to play for the University of Texas. But soccer was my first love."

You were the captain of the U-17 and the U-20 national teams. Those teams had guys like Landon Donovan and DeMarcus Beasley on it. What was that like?

"That was a very special opportunity for me. Being a captain, being a leader on and off the field was a huge responsibility and a huge privilege. I learned a lot from playing with those guys. We played against great competition in South America and Europe, so it was a tremendous growing experience for me."

You've remained friends with Landon Donovan and DeMarcus Beasley. What that's meant to you?

"They're very good friends. Both of them are very humble and they work hard. Both are great guys and would do anything for you."

Let's talk players: Rio Ferdinand or Carles Puyol?

"Puyol. I think he plays in a tougher league. He's a very tough defender. He's shorter than Ferdinand, so I think he has to work a little harder as well."

Cristiano Renaldo or KaKa?

"KaKa because he's a believer like I am. He's a Christian. He works harder than Renaldo and he's a solid, solid midfielder. He's won a World Cup as well."

Claudio Reyna or Landon Donovan?

"Landon Donovan. Landon is a very, very competitive guy. He's been a great goal scorer at every level he's been played at."

Who is the greatest American soccer player?

"I think right now you'd have to say Claudio Reyna. He's been a great player in Europe and for what he's done for the U.S. National team over the years. But I think when all is said and done, Landon Donovan will go down at the best player America has produced."

Who's the one soccer player you'd pay to go see play?

"Lionel Messi. I love the way he plays the game."

How did you meet your wife Mandy?

"I met her when I was playing for the Columbus Crew through a friend of mine. She was at the stadium restaurant watching a U.S. National team game and I was there with my friend."

Last movie you went to?

"Batman. Loved it."

Last book?

"The Broker by John Grisham. Good book."

Three people you'd like to have dinner with?

"Jesus Christ. John the Baptist. Daniel."

Why is the Battery not winning on the road this season?

"We've had some mental lapses and we've been unlucky. We should be doing better on the road. We've got the talent."

Will David Beckham impact American soccer as everyone expects?

"I think so. He's already got people talking about it and watching it more. People who don't know much about soccer will watch David Beckham play. He's still a great player. I think in the long run, the sponsorship and the money that's being spent on soccer will increase because of him."

Do you still have aspirations of playing in the MSL or in Europe?

"I want to play at the highest level possible. I love playing here in Charleston. It would have to be a pretty offer and the right situation for me to leave."