Former Super Eagles striker Victor Ikpeba has voiced his disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to secure the services of Ebere Eze before the talented Crystal Palace midfielder committed to playing for England.
Speaking on Super Sports’ Monday Night Football program, Ikpeba expressed regret following Eze’s outstanding performance in the FA Cup, where the 25-year-old scored a crucial goal in his team’s victory over Fulham.
Ikpeba, who has long admired the ability of the young England international, stressed that Nigeria’s inability to convince Eze to represent the national team before he opted for England was a significant loss for Nigerian football.
He acknowledged the impressive qualities Eze demonstrated on the field, particularly his skill in set-pieces and free-kicks, which were evident in recent matches.
Reflecting on the loss of Eze to England, Ikpeba remarked, “It was Eze’s show. Nigeria’s loss is England’s gain. I’ve always been a big fan of that youngster.”
The former Super Eagles striker also recalled first noticing Eze’s potential two to three seasons ago and lamented the missed opportunity for Nigeria to nurture such a gifted player.
The 32-year-old midfielder’s performances have made him a prominent figure at Crystal Palace since his move from QPR in 2020.
Eze’s skill and versatility on the ball have earned him the admiration of fans and pundits alike, making him a key player for both his club and the England national team, despite his relatively young age.
Ikpeba’s sentiments reflect a common concern among Nigerian football fans about the country’s failure to secure the commitment of dual-nationality players before they opt for other national teams.
Ikpeba also praised Eze’s decisive role in the FA Cup match against Fulham, attributing the team’s victory in part to his first goal.
The goal was a vital contribution in a match where other players like Eddie Nketiah also played pivotal roles. “It was Eze’s first goal that turned the game,” Ikpeba added, highlighting the importance of his contribution.
As Eze continues to excel at the club level, his growing reputation has firmly established him as a key figure in English football.
However, the decision to represent England over Nigeria has inevitably caused a sense of loss in his home country, where many fans feel his talents could have been invaluable to the Super Eagles.
While Nigeria has faced challenges in securing the services of several dual-nationality players in the past, the case of Eze underscores the ongoing struggle for the national team in a competitive global footballing landscape.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has had mixed success in persuading top-tier dual-nationality players to commit to the Super Eagles, often losing out to nations with stronger footballing infrastructures or more compelling offers.
Ebere Eze’s continued success at Crystal Palace and his regular involvement in the England setup will likely serve as a reminder of what might have been for Nigeria.
Despite Ikpeba’s frustration, the nation remains hopeful that future generations of players will remain committed to their roots, ensuring that Nigeria does not lose out on emerging talents once again.
