'I doubt if he has been in Nigeria' - Friday Ekpo backs Eze's decision to represent England 

Former Super Eagles playmaker Friday Ekpo has spared a thought for Crystal Palace's midfielder Eberechi Eze as he gets set to team up with the England squad this month for the 2024 UEFA Championship qualifiers. 

The Three Lions will face Malta and North Macedonia in the qualifiers with Eze among the midfield players handed call-ups by Gareth Southgate for the games. 

Eze was reportedly named in England's provisional squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar but missed the final cut just as he was overlooked for the 2020 Euro Championship due to injury. 

Many Nigerian supporters had hoped that the situations surrounding Eze's omission was a sign that he was destined to play for Nigeria. 

However he has been given another chance after a good season at Crystal Palace. 

Ekpo in an interview with allnigeriasoccer.com  in Lagos backed the decision of the player to accept England's invitation. 

"This issue of nationalization depends on the player involved. We had Alex Iwobi, Victor Moses, Ola Aina who could have played for England but chose to represent Nigeria," Ekpo remarked. 

"Players will choose where they will pitch their tents and achieve their goals. He believes that England is where his game at the international level will be best suited. 

"I doubt if Eze has been in Nigeria. The NFF visited him in England sometime ago to convince him to play for the Super Eagles but we must bear in mind that a football career is a short one. 

"It doesn't mean that he is not Nigerian enough. He has Nigerian heritage and you can't dispute that. I understand the feelings that the English media and fans are biased. "

On the subject of racial slurs aimed at black players in England and other parts of Europe , Ekpo said:

"The issue of racism is also there quite alright but if he plays well more than he doesn't play well, he will cope with the pressure I believe. If you were the one in his shoes, what would you do"?

"We have to develop the Nigeria Professional Football league and we can produce players that are as good or better than Eberechi Eze. "

Izuchukwu Michael

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com