Stephen Eze strengthens Odisha FC defence with move from Jamshedpur

Nigeria centre-back Stephen Eze has joined Odisha FC from Jamshedpur FC, completing a move that keeps the 32-year-old in the Indian Super League. Eze’s contract with Odisha runs until 31 May 2027.

The 1.98m defender makes the switch on 20 September 2026 after spending the previous two seasons with Jamshedpur. He joined the club from Vietnam’s Quang Nam FC in July 2024 as a free agent and now moves across Indian football to begin a new chapter with Odisha.

Eze has built substantial experience in the Indian Super League, making 52 appearances and scoring nine goals in the competition. His record also includes a goal and an assist in two ISL play-off appearances, giving him experience of matches beyond the regular league season.

The move represents a return to India for a player who has also competed in Nigeria, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Scotland, Croatia and Vietnam. Before arriving at Jamshedpur, Eze spent the 2023-24 campaign with Quang Nam, having joined the Vietnamese club after a period without a team.

His career has included a spell at Scottish Championship side Queen’s Park, while in Europe he played for NK Solin and Tobol Kostanay. Eze’s most significant honour came with Lokomotiv Plovdiv, when he won the Bulgarian Cup in the 2018-19 season.

He began his senior career in Nigeria with Sunshine Stars, Lobi Stars, Ifeanyi Ubah and Kano Pillars before moving abroad. At Kano Pillars, he established the platform for his transfer to Lokomotiv Plovdiv in January 2018, his first move outside Nigeria.

Eze has also recorded 98 appearances and eight goals in the Nigeria Professional Football League, alongside 57 appearances in Bulgaria’s top flight. His wider career record includes appearances in domestic cup competitions and the Europa League qualifying rounds.

Odisha have added a defender with experience across several leagues and a substantial record in Indian football. Eze’s move from Jamshedpur to Odisha was completed on 20 September 2026, with the Nigeria international contracted to the club until May 2027.