Stephen Eze on Super Cup Redemption, ISL Heartbreak, Jamshedpur FC, Khalid Jamil & more

Stephen Eze has been a name in the limelight in the Indian football circuit for a long time. Eze had a fantastic Indian Super League (ISL) season, where he was rock solid at the back for Jamshedpur FC.

He played a crucial role for Khalid Jamil’s team by scoring vital goals. As Jamshedpur FC are on the verge of lifting the Super Cup, the 6 ft 6 inch long towering center-back from Nigeria, who had already played for Jamshedpur previously, sat for an exclusive interview with Sportsdunia, where he explained his goal-scoring formula, Jamshedpur FC’s journey, and his relationship with Coach Khalid Jamil. Let’s delve deep into the interview.

Carrying Momentum into the Kalinga Super Cup

After a brilliant performance in the ISL, Jamshedpur FC were knocked out in the semi-final against mighty Mohun Bagan. Eze wants to perform well in the Super Cup and lift the trophy.

“The ISL has come and gone. So we're focusing on the cup—it is not yet finished until the cup. The cup is the last tournament before the end of the season. We’re just focused on the cup. The team has been training together, putting in all the effort, so we can do well. Hopefully, fingers crossed, we’ll see what happens,” said Stephen Eze.

A Shot at Redemption

Having barely missed out on a place in the ISL final, Eze views the Super Cup as a crucial chance for silverware as well as finishing the season on a positive note. The Nigerian defender stated, “Yeah, for me, I would say it’s a chance also, because there’s a cup. Everybody wants to win something at the end of the season. The cup comes fast—one game, then another in three days. Every player wants to go home with a cup. So with hard work and unity, something positive may happen.”

The Pain of Suspension

Stephen Eze was suspended in the second leg of the semi-final, where Jamshedpur FC were up against Mohun Bagan in Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. The defender was forced to watch the second game from the sidelines, which was a tough experience for him. “It wasn’t easy, you know. In the first leg of the semi-final, I got a red card in the last minute, it was unfair, not a yellow card. I wasn’t happy.

But there’s nothing I can do now. Watching from the stands was very difficult, especially in such a tough game. I must appreciate the team—they did very well. Football is like that sometimes: you can play well and still lose. But I’m proud of the team,” Stephen exclaimed.

What Makes Jamshedpur FC Special as a Club?

Coming back to Jamshedpur for a second stint, Stephen Eze finds something unique about the club that goes beyond the game. He explained, “For me, it’s the people in the club. That’s what makes the difference. For someone to leave and then come back, it means the environment and the people are doing something right. They say one good turn deserves another. That’s why I’m back.”

Watch Full Interview

Defensive Chemistry and Collective Effort

While the Nigerian has been a standout performer in season 2024-25, he also praised his teammates, including the likes of Pronay Halder and Ashutosh Mehta. Eze noted, “It’s not a one-man show. It’s a collective effort. Without the other players, I wouldn’t look good. I appreciate my fellow defenders for their hard work this season. Nobody expected us to be in this position, so they deserve the credit.”

Adapting to Indian Football

Having played in several countries and various leagues, including representing Nigeria, Stephen shared how Indian football is different. The defender praised the league’s contribution to Indian football. “Every league has its differences. The intensity of Indian football is different from the Scottish league, for example.

“But the Indian league is improving every year. When I compare 2021 to now, there’s a very big difference. It’s more competitive. I believe in the future, Indian football will reach a very high standard,” Eze answered.

Message to the Fans

While the Nigerian has been a standout performer in season 2024-25, he also praised his teammates, including the likes of Pronay Halder and Ashutosh Mehta. Eze noted, “It’s not a one-man show. It’s a collective effort. Without the other players, I wouldn’t look good. I appreciate my fellow defenders for their hard work this season. Nobody expected us to be in this position, so they deserve the credit.”

Ability to Score Goals and Play as an Attacker

Throughout the season, Eze has scored brilliant headed goals, along with a special goal against Mohun Bagan, where he dribbled past everyone and put the ball into the net. “When I was younger, I played as a striker until I was about 13 or 14 before switching to centre-back. So that instinct is still in me. When I get the ball, I want to be positive, even though I’m a defender,” the 6ft 6 inch defender quoted.

Coach Khalid Jamil’s Influence

Ahead of crucial matches, especially knockouts, Eze elucidated that it’s Khalid Jamil’s belief in hard work that motivates the squad towards success. He added, “Coach always tells us to believe in ourselves, fight for every ball, and keep going even if we make mistakes. Against Mohun Bagan in the first leg, it was all hard work. He wants us to stay positive till the last minute because football is 90 minutes, it’s never over until it’s over.”

Growth of Indian football and Inspiring the Next Generation

The defender from Nigeria has seen a lot of brilliant Indian players and young, talented, upcoming stars across India. He also believes youth development is fundamental to India’s footballing future. He said, “The future is bright. I’ve seen more teams investing in academies and youth teams.
The kids are the future, developing them is the only solution to reaching the top level.” Jamshedpur FC have one of the best grassroots academies in India. Recently, Stephen Eze visited the training center and shared his advice with the upcoming generation of footballers.

“Life isn’t easy. Success isn’t given you must work for it. When you’re young, it requires a lot of sacrifice. Stay focused, respect everyone, and work hard. People may not always see your efforts, but God does. With hard work and prayer, everything is possible,” Stephen Eze concluded.