Evelina Pirjo Jovanka Duljan, a 20 year old Swedish born midfield maestro, has recently added her name to the impressive roster of athletes eligible to play for Nigeria. Duljan, who was born in Kristianstad, Sweden, on May 12, 2003, has swiftly ascended from local youth leagues to the pinnacle of international women’s soccer.
Starting her career at Kristianstads DFF, where she rapidly progressed through the ranks, Duljan’s exceptional skills became evident early on. Her performance in the senior squad, where she appeared 52 times and scored four goals, led to her loan to Växjö DFF in 2021. Here, she continued to enhance her reputation, capturing the attention of several top clubs.
In a significant career move, Duljan joined Italian giants Juventus in August 2022. During her stint with Juventus, she made 23 appearances, showcasing her grit and prowess in midfield and defence. Her journey took another exciting turn in January 2024 when she signed a one year contract with Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League, marking a major milestone as she took on new challenges in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
Apart from her club successes, Duljan has represented Sweden at the U17, U19, and U23 levels, demonstrating her abilities on an international platform. With Nigerian heritage, she is also eligible to represent the Super Falcons, which could see her adding depth to the African champions’ squad as a versatile right back or midfielder.
Editorial
In the vibrant arena of international women’s football, Evelina Pirjo Jovanka Duljan embodies the spirit of multicultural talent and the potential for cross continental sporting excellence. Her journey from the youth fields of Sweden to the professional stadiums of the U.S. highlights not just personal ambition but also the broader dynamics of migration and identity in sports.
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Her eligibility to play for Nigeria’s Super Falcons opens up discussions about the influence of diaspora players on national teams. We believe that players like Duljan not only bring diverse skills but also enrich the team dynamics, blending different football philosophies and cultures. This can be a game changer for teams like the Super Falcons, who stand to benefit immensely from such hybrid vigor.
As Duljan dons the Orlando Pride jersey and possibly, in the future, the Super Falcons kit, her career could serve as a beacon for many young athletes who navigate multiple cultural identities. It underscores the idea that the sports field is truly a unifying ground, transcending borders and backgrounds.
We hope to see Duljan shine in her roles, bringing her robust gameplay to the Super Falcons and setting an example for integration and excellence in sport. Her path forwards reaffirms our belief in the power of sport as a catalyst for change and connection.
Did You Know?
- Kristianstad, where Evelina Duljan was born, is known for its rich sports culture, particularly in handball and football.
- The National Women’s Soccer League NWSL in the USA was established in 2012 and is considered one of the top leagues for women’s football globally.
- Nigeria’s Super Falcons are the most successful women’s football team in Africa, having won the African Women’s Championship a record nine times.
- Juventus Women, which Duljan played for, won their first Serie A title in the 2017-18 season, just one year after the team was founded.
- Dual eligibility in international football allows players to represent more than one country during their career, provided they meet FIFA’s eligibility requirements, which include having a direct blood relative from the country they wish to represent.
