Jamshedpur FC's Stephen Eze opens up on his journey to represent Nigeria, his time in India and more

Stephen Eze has been the backbone of Jamshedpur’s defence this season.

Stephen Eze’s footballing journey is one of perseverance, determination, and relentless hard work. From his humble beginnings in Makurdi, Nigeria, to representing the Super Eagles in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, his story serves as an inspiration to young footballers worldwide.

In an exclusive interview with Khel Now, Eze delves into his early struggles, the significance of grassroots football in Nigeria, his transition into professional football, and his ambitions for the future.

Growing up in Makurdi and his early football journey

Stephen Eze hails from Makurdi, a city known for its deep-rooted passion for football. He recalls how growing up in Nigeria was a mixture of both challenges and opportunities, with football serving as his ultimate escape.

“It has not been easy. Coming from a town like Makurdi, you need to fight for everything. In Africa, nothing comes easy, you have to earn it. Football is all about sacrifice, and that’s something I learned from a very young age. My parents played a huge role in supporting my dreams; they fought for me, believed in me, and helped me reach where I am today,” Eze reflected.

His journey took a significant turn when he earned a contract with Nigerian Premier League side Lobi Stars at just 18 years old. From there, his rise was meteoric, showcasing immense defensive prowess and composure on the ball, which eventually earned him a place in the national team setup.

The Tata Stephen Eze Football Tournament

Stephen Eze’s contributions to Nigerian football go beyond his own career. Back home, a football tournament named after him, the Tata Stephen Eze Football Tournament continues to inspire young players.

“It’s a huge honour to have a football tournament named after me. The goal is to provide young talents with a platform to showcase their abilities and get the exposure they need. I know how difficult it is to break into professional football, and if I can help even a few kids achieve their dreams, it would mean the world to me,” he stated.

Representing Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup 2018

One of the defining moments of Eze’s career came when he was named in Nigeria’s 30-man preliminary squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He was part of a team that included some of the biggest names in African football, facing the likes of Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the group stage.

“Being part of the World Cup squad was an unbelievable experience. Competing at that level, with the best players in the world, was a dream come true. It was a moment of pride not just for me, but for my family and my entire country.”

Despite Nigeria’s heartbreaking exit in the group stages, the experience left a lasting impact on Eze. He credits the World Cup exposure for elevating his game and strengthening his belief in his abilities.

Eze Reveals Why He Chose to Rejoin Jamshedpur FC

Stephen Eze’s return to Jamshedpur FC has been one of the club’s most anticipated moves in this Indian Super League (ISL) season. The Nigerian defender, who previously played a crucial role for the Men of Steel, explained that his decision to return was driven by the strong bonds he formed during his first stint. With a different set of foreign players this time and football returning to normalcy post-COVID, Eze was eager to experience playing in front of the passionate Jamshedpur fans once again.

“Well, I will say it’s the people,” Eze admitted when asked about his motivation to rejoin JFC. “When you work with people and see how good and nice they are. The last time I was here, everyone treated me well. I knew all these people, and they were good to me. If you work somewhere and the people are good, I think you want to work with them again.” With his return, Jamshedpur FC fans will hope to see the commanding defender replicate his past performances and help the team reclaim its place among the ISL elite.