Super Eagles 2014 World cup defender, Juwon Oshaniwa, is just four months into life at Hearts but the full-back is already getting used to the harsh Scottish winter after spending his entire career in the warmer climes of Israel and his native Nigeria.
The defender signed for the Edinburgh club at the start of August having spent three years at Ashdod in Israel, which is used to temperatures of around 20 degrees celcius in December.
He also represented his country at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil alongside Celtic’s Efe Ambrose, and has 17 caps for the national side.
Oshaniwa has had to learn quickly that Scotland is the polar opposite weather-wise during the festive period but insists it doesn’t affect his ability to play football.
He said in an interview that: “It has been a great few months so far but it’s difficult when it comes to the weather though. But my mind is already made up that I’m hoping to take every challenge and circumstance that is coming my way.
“So I wouldn’t say it has had a negative impact on me. There is always room for improvement and acclimatisation.”
“There is a big difference. When we played in Brazil it was so hot but it’s the same kind of weather when I used to play in Israel. I just go in there, do a little tune up, I’m already warm and ready to go but here you need a deep warm up to get your muscles and everything ready for kick off. This is life for you, but we are professional.”
Oshaniwa, who has made 12 appearances for Hearts this season, was sent off against Inverness CT for a punch on on-loan striker Tobi Sho-Silva in a match the Jambos lost 2-0.
Early into his Scottish football career the 25-year-old was quoted as saying Hearts could beat Celtic to the Premiership title, just months after the club had been promoted from the Championship.
While he says nothing is impossible in football, he has reigned in that rhetoric somewhat and is instead focusing on achieving qualification into European football next term.
Third placed Hearts travel to Aberdeen on Saturday, Live on Sky Sports 2, in a match that is vital to both team’s progress. In the last meeting between the pair, some magic from Niall McGinn and a David Goodwillie double gave the Dons a 3-1 win at Tynecastle.
“Yes, it is a big game. If we are to participate in Europe next season then this kind of game we need the maximum three points up there,” said Oshaniwa. “We know it’s not going to be an easy game, respect to Aberdeen they are a good side too. They took maximum points from the first game against us this season. So it’s possible for us to do that too.
“If we must qualify for European competition, we must go out there and do what we know how to do individually, and collectively, with total determination, total fight and I can see ourselves coming out with maximum three points at the end of the game.”
