Nigerian defender Stephen Eze returns to Jamshedpur FC on a two-year deal

Jamshedpur FC have officially announced the signing of Nigerian defender Stephen Eze on a two-year deal. The 30-year-old's recent stint was with Vietnam first division outfit Quang Nam FC, whom he joined in October 2023.

Eze previously represented Jamshedpur FC during the 2020-21 ISL where he had a memorable run. He featured in 20 matches in which he won 93 aerial duels apart from scoring four goals. He has represented his nation in 13 games and was a part of the squad that finished the 2018 African Nations Championship as the runners-up after losing the final by a 4-0 margin to hosts Morocco in Casablanca.

"I am ecstatic to be back at Jamshedpur FC" - Stephen Eze

Stephen Eze has played for several clubs across Nigeria, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Croatia, and Scotland over the years. Given his experience of playing in various other leagues, ISL familiarity, and proven credentials, the towering 6 ft 4-inch centre-back's return has further strengthened the Red Miners' defense ahead of the new season.

Excited about returning to Jamshedpur FC, an elated Eze said he wants to build on his previous ISL experience and help his team succeed in the league. Sharing his thoughts about that one-year stint in the bubble in Goa during the pandemic, he said (via fcjamshedpur.com):

"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 help team succeed in the ISL. I am excited to be in Jamshedpur and get started."

Welcoming the new signing who is already a familiar face to the club and its passionate supporters, an equally excited head coach Khalid Jamil heaped praise on the player. Jamil said Eze's ISL experience will be invaluable to the team.

"I'm thrilled to welcome Stephen Eze back to Jamshedpur FC! He's a versatile player who will solidify our defense as a center back, capable of playing on both the right and left sides, as well as in a defensive midfield role," Khalid Jamil said.

"His experience in the ISL will be invaluable, particularly in set pieces, where he'll play a crucial role in both defense 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 defense," he added.

Jamshedpur FC will kick off the 2024-25 season with their Durand Cup Group D fixture against Assam Rifles FT at home at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Sunday, July 28. They will be up against Chennaiyin FC and Indian Army FT in their second and third group fixtures of the 2024 Durand Cup.