By Johnpaul Nnamdi
In recent years, there have been revelations of players of Nigerian descent who were born and raised abroad. Most of these talented players have expressed their desire to represent their fatherland by way of playing for the Nigerian national football team in international games. One of such is Izunna Ezra Ikebuasi.
Born on 30th May 2000 in Cork, Ireland, the lad has passed through some top-notch football coaching in mainland Europe to improve his talent and playing style.
Ezra is a skilful young full-back currently playing for Sutton United in the National League in England At 18, he has already played over 25 games at the senior level, whilst out on loan at Leatherhead in the 2018/19 season.
Coming through the academies of Bournemouth and Empoli, he has had a top rate football education and is now enjoying his first season in senior football.
Ikebuasi is an extremely versatile player, deployed chiefly as a right back for Leatherhead in the 2018/19 season.
He has also played as a defensive midfielder and even as a playmaker in the middle, the latter of which saw him become leading goal scorer for the Sutton United U21s.
Better known for his defensive prowess, Ezra also has the ability to force attack and create goal-scoring chances for his team. He has scored a hand full of goals coupled with his regular assist on Match days.
He has also won some personal awards and honours which includes Leatherhead FC Best Player Award in 2018 and three-time Leatherhead FC Man of the Match.
Ezra has also earned a call-up to the U-13 and U-14 Irish national team and has represented Sutton United at the St. George’s Park annual VAR Tournament.
His game intelligence and adaptability make him an extremely difficult player for opposition teams to pin down.
Ikebuasi is a player to watch, especially as he has made his intentions to represent Nigeria in the nearest future known.
