Sweden Cap Ties Ex Super Eagles Striker’s Daughter as AC Milan Star

The Swedish Football Association is ahead of Nigeria in the race to secure the services of AC Milan striker Evelyn Ijeh, daughter of retired Super Eagles striker Peter Ijeh. Evelyn, who has previously played for Malmö, IFK Göteborg, FC Copenhagen, and Viking, received her first senior call up to Sweden’s national team for the 2025 European Championship qualifying matches against France and England.

The 22 year old has been impressive for both AC Milan and Sweden’s U23 national team, earning her a spot in the senior squad. In the past season, she scored three goals in twelve Serie A Women’s appearances. Evelyn is already provisionally cap tied to Sweden due to her participation in competitive matches for their U17 and U19 teams. Playing in the upcoming matches against France or England will make her permanently cap-tied to Sweden.

Evelyn and her younger sister Josephine Ijeh trained with the Super Falcons in 2021, but Sweden’s proactive approach might see them secure her talents permanently.

Editorial

The move by Sweden to cap tie Evelyn Ijeh underscores the competitive nature of international football, where nations vie for the allegiance of talented players with dual eligibility. Evelyn’s inclusion in Sweden’s senior national team reflects her impressive performances at both club and youth international levels, showcasing her potential to become a key player on the international stage.

For Nigeria, this situation highlights the importance of proactive talent identification and engagement. Evelyn’s previous training stint with the Super Falcons indicates her openness to representing Nigeria, but Sweden’s timely call up might secure her services permanently. This serves as a reminder for the Nigerian Football Federation to actively monitor and engage with players of Nigerian descent worldwide to ensure they don’t lose out on top talents.

Evelyn’s story also illustrates the broader narrative of footballers with dual nationality who must navigate complex decisions about their international careers. Her success at AC Milan and the recognition from Sweden’s national team spotlight the global reach and appeal of Nigerian football talent.

As the qualifying matches approach, all eyes will be on Evelyn to see if she solidifies her place in Sweden’s national team. Her journey serves as an inspiration for young footballers, demonstrating the opportunities and challenges that come with playing at the highest levels.

Did You Know?

1. Dual Nationality Dilemma Players with dual nationality often face challenging decisions regarding which country to represent, influenced by factors like early call-ups, development opportunities, and personal connections.
2. Youth Development Evelyn Ijeh’s rise through the ranks of Swedish youth teams to the senior squad highlights the importance of robust youth development programs in nurturing football talent.
3. Family Legacy Evelyn Ijeh follows in the footsteps of her father, Peter Ijeh, a former Super Eagles striker, showcasing a family legacy of football excellence.
4. International Competitions Being cap tied means a player is committed to representing one national team in official international competitions, often solidified by playing in senior competitive matches.
5. Global Talent Pool The international football landscape is increasingly competitive, with countries actively scouting and securing talents with multi-national eligibility to strengthen their squads.