IFK Göteborg U17 goalkeeper Promise Ezeilo has expressed his willingness to represent Nigeria should the opportunity come.
Born in Funtua, a local government area in Katsina state, Nigeria, he moved to Sweden with his family just a year after his birth and has since lived in Gothenburg where he is developing with one of the Scandinavian country’s biggest clubs.
The 16 year-old joined IFK Göteborg U17 side in September 2023 from Gotaholm BK whom he joined from Angereds BK in the 2022 season.
In an exclusive interview with Myleaguewire, the youngster was asked how he would react if he was called up by Nigeria.
“Yes, I’ll take it straight up”, Ezeilo responded.
He also revealed that he can speak four languages, placing emphasis on his native language in particular.
“I can speak Igbo. My Igbo is very strong. I also speak Swedish, English and a little bit of Spanish”, he added.
The 6ft goalkeeper also recalled his experience at the recently concluded Gothia Cup where his team faced two Nigerian teams, Beyond Limits FA and TikiTaka FC International.
IFK Göteborg was in the same group with Beyond Limits and lost 0-3 before facing TikiTaka FC in the knockout phase which ended in a 2-2 draw but they lost in a penalty shootout.
He said it hit different playing against an all-Nigerian side at the tournament.
group with Beyond Limits and lost 0-3 before facing TikiTaka FC in the knockout phase which ended in a 2-2 draw but they lost in penalty shootout. He said it hit differently playing against an all-Nigerian side at the tournament.
“It was mixed feelings. I saw them as opposition of course and I also saw them as my country men pretty-happy to play with them. For me I always see my opposition team as enemies so I always do my best to beat the other team. I’m always happy to share the same pitch with them.
“It was a good experience playing against Nigerian teams in the tournament, I learnt a lot from them. The tempo was high and they played very well. We did our best but in the end we didn’t win.”
He won the 2022 edition of the cup while at Gotaholm BK who beat fellow Swedish side Gias in the final to clinch the title.
