Rising star of AC Milan's women's team, Evelyn Ijeh, finds herself at the center of an international tug-of-war.
The 22-year-old striker, born in Malmö, Sweden, has received her first call-up to the Swedish national team, putting her on the path to representing the country of her birth.
This decision comes with a twist. Ijeh is the daughter of Peter Ijeh, a retired Nigerian footballer who enjoyed a successful career across Scandinavia (playing for Malmo, IFK Göteborg, FC Copenhagen, and Viking during his active days). Naturally, this sparked interest from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) as well.
Call-up to the Sweden national team
However, Evelyn Ijeh's inclusion in Sweden's squad for their upcoming 2025 European Championship qualifiers against France and England puts Sweden ahead in the race for her international allegiance.
Manager Peter Gerhardsson clearly values Ijeh's talent. He highlighted her impressive performances with the Swedish U23 team and AC Milan as the reason for her call-up. Her three goals in twelve Serie A appearances last season showcase a promising attacking threat.
The key factor in this situation is Ijeh's provisional cap-tie status for Sweden. Having played competitive matches for their U17 and U19 teams, participating in the upcoming senior fixtures would likely seal her allegiance to Sweden. This is a crucial decision for a young player with a bright future ahead.
Evelyn Ijeh's involvement with her Nigerian roots
Interestingly, the story doesn't end there. In 2021, both Ijeh and her younger sister Josephine trained with the Nigerian national team, the Super Falcons before the Aisha Buhari invitational tournament. This experience demonstrates a potential connection to her father's heritage.
While Ijeh seems poised to represent Sweden, the international football landscape is constantly evolving. Players can switch allegiances under certain circumstances, and unforeseen events can always unfold. However, her inclusion in the Swedish squad signifies a clear step towards international recognition with the country of her birth.
