'He Dodged a Bullet’ — Viral Photo of Eze Training with Super Eagles Sparks Fan Reactions

A resurfaced 2017 photo of Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze training with the Super Eagles has stirred conversation among Nigerian football fans, who see it as a major missed opportunity.

Eze was one of several foreign-born talents invited to train with Nigeria after a cancelled friendly against Burkina Faso. The move helped secure players like Ola Aina, but despite multiple approaches and meetings with his family, the Amaju Pinnick-led NFF failed to convince Eze. He chose England instead, made his senior debut in 2023, and has since earned 15 more caps.

After the photo went viral, fans took to social media to express frustration. One commenter claimed, “Only reason he didn’t play for us was cos we didn’t qualify for the Qatar World Cup… then again, he had a terrible injury around that time.” Another said, “He dodged a bullet by the grace of God,” adding that his talent “was clear to see” even in 2017.

Some fans blamed poor conditions, with one noting that where Eze plays now, “he is not having to book his own flights… only for the FA to owe him his bonus payments.