Albufeira. Evelyn Ige with Blagult on January tour.
But she still hasn’t decided which national team she wants to represent – Sweden or Nigeria.
– I’m open to both, says the 21-year-old.
She is the only name chosen to have played in the Elite Team last year. The success at Växjö DFF prompted Peter Gerhardson to take her to camp in Portugal.
A receipt that you came from a good season, even if it was in the second highest division. It feels so good and so great to me. Honor to represent Sweden.
However, there are no matches in the January tour, so one question still hangs in the air: which national team will Evelyn Igeh, daughter of former archery king Peter Igeh, actually play for? A few years ago, she was invited to a similar camp with the Nigerian senior national team. The men’s national team has always had to deal with players who have the chance to represent many different national teams, but the dilemma is not uncommon in women’s soccer.
It is true that I was with the Nigerian national team.
Sweden showed the most interest.
How do you see this choice?
– I feel open to both. Where I see a good future and where I feel most comfortable. Where I can develop the best soccer player. I focus on that. Then you can get different invitations from different countries. For now, Sweden has shown the most interest, but then we’ll see what happens in the future. I haven’t played a match yet with any country.
Is it hard to decide when you have roots in two countries?
– It’s not always that easy. Everyone often wants different things for you. But in the end, you have to do what’s best for yourself. We’ll see how it goes.
What does your father say? – Does he have any idea?
– he thinks just like me. Where I am enjoying the best I feel, this is the national team I will play for. Where people treat you well and where you develop.
Bipedal – just like dad
But nothing nailed yet?
– I do not have an invitation from Nigeria right now. There’s been a lot going on with Sweden lately. And if everything works out that way, Sweden might be in the future, too.
Not many of us are being chased by any national team, so maybe it’s not so stupid to play for two?
– lol. Not exactly.
Ege was impressed in the camp. Flexible player who can perform in different positions. Just like her father, she is bipedal and therefore very dangerous in front of goal. She expects to stay at Växjö, which has made the move in Allsvenskan, also in 2023.
– Of course I want to continue in Växjö. I feel very safe there. Everyone is so kind and gentle and the whole association is good. But of course you should check for any offers if they come in.