Nigerian football icon Victor Ikpeba has expressed disappointment over Eberechi Eze’s decision to play for England instead of Nigeria, calling it a major loss for the Super Eagles. Speaking on SuperSport’s Monday Night Football, Ikpeba lauded the Crystal Palace midfielder’s recent FA Cup performance, labelling him “the star of the show” after a goal and assist in a 3-0 quarter-final win over Fulham.
Eze, who was born in England to Nigerian parents, was first invited by Nigeria in 2017 for a friendly that was ultimately cancelled. Former NFF President Amaju Pinnick later made significant efforts to secure his international switch, even visiting Eze at home in London before the 2022 World Cup playoffs.
According to reports, Eze agreed to commit to Nigeria only if the country qualified for the World Cup in Qatar. Following Nigeria’s playoff loss to Ghana, Eze officially tied his international future to England by debuting against Malta in a Euro qualifier in June 2023. He now has 10 caps and recently scored in a World Cup qualifier against Latvia.
With 6 goals and 9 assists in 31 matches this season, the 26-year-old continues to impress for Palace, cementing his status as one of the Premier League’s most creative midfielders.
Editorial
Eberechi Eze’s flourishing career in England is a triumph for talent and ambition but also a sobering reminder of Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to secure its diaspora gems. Victor Ikpeba’s lamentation rings true: it’s not just about one player lost, but a growing pattern that questions Nigeria’s approach to recruitment, planning, and player integration.
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In Eze, Nigeria missed a playmaker who possesses vision, agility, and an eye for goal qualities the current Super Eagles midfield could desperately use. Yet the blame cannot solely be placed at his feet. When top-tier talents weigh their international futures, it often comes down to trust, long-term vision, and infrastructure—areas where Nigeria must do better.
While Pinnick’s late push was admirable, such efforts must come earlier and be part of a system—not just a charm offensive. The same scenario played out with Bukayo Saka, Tammy Abraham, and Fikayo Tomori—all players Nigeria engaged but ultimately lost to England.
Eze’s brilliance on the pitch brings pride to all of African descent. But for Nigeria, it should also spark reflection. How many more will slip away before strategic change is made?
Did You Know?
- Eberechi Eze was released by Arsenal at age 13 and later played non-league football before being picked up by QPR.
- He made his Premier League debut for Crystal Palace in 2020 after a £17 million move from QPR.
- Nigeria previously lost Bukayo Saka, Fikayo Tomori, and Tammy Abraham to the England national team.
- The Marc-Vivien Foé Award, for which Eze is eligible, is given annually to the best African player in Ligue 1—but Premier League equivalents are yet to be established.
- Eze has been coached by former Super Eagles captain Andrew Aiyelabowo in youth tournaments before his professional breakthrough.
