Nigerian international Stephen Eze has announced his return to Jamshedpur FC by signing a two-year contract with the club. This move makes Eze the fourth foreign signing for the team and the first to bolster their central defense ahead of the upcoming season.
Standing at an imposing 6’ 4”, Eze’s presence is expected to be a significant asset in both attacking and defensive set pieces. His previous stint with Jamshedpur FC during the 2020-21 season saw him win an impressive 93 aerial duels, score four goals, and secure 126 duels overall.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Eze stated, “I am ecstatic to be back at Jamshedpur FC, a club that has always felt like home to me although my first season was different in the bubble in Goa during covid. So I am excited to now play in our real home at the Furnace. I want to build on my previous experience from ISL and contribute to helping the team succeed in the ISL. I am excited to be in Jamshedpur and get started.”
Before rejoining Jamshedpur FC, Eze played for Quang Nam in Vietnam, where he made 20 appearances and scored two goals. Prior to that, he worked with Owen Coyle at Queens Park, nearly achieving qualification to the Scottish top division and scoring three goals in 17 matches. His international experience includes representing the Nigerian national team and playing for Lokomotiv Plovdiv in the Bulgarian top division, where he also competed in the Europa League.
Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil is thrilled to have Eze back in the squad. “I’m thrilled to welcome Stephen Eze back to Jamshedpur FC! He’s a versatile player who will solidify our defence as a centre-back, capable of playing on both the right and left sides, as well as in a defensive midfield role. His experience in the ISL will be invaluable, particularly in set pieces, where he’ll play a crucial role in both defence and attack. We need aggressive and experienced players like Eze in our setup, and I believe he has the leadership qualities, maturity and presence to marshal our defence.”
Eze, who will don the jersey number six, is expected to join the pre-season preparations in the coming weeks. His return is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Jamshedpur FC’s defense, bringing both experience and physicality to the backline. With his previous ISL experience and proven track record, Eze is set to play a pivotal role in Jamshedpur FC’s quest for success in the upcoming season.
