CSKA Moscow forward Chidera Ejuke has cleared the air on the proper pronunciation of his surname following his invitation to the senior national team of Nigeria.
Ejuke was listed among players who will report to the Super Eagles camp in Austria for the games against Tunisia and Côte d’Ivoire on the 9th and 13th of Octoberrespectively.
Since his days from the Nigeria U17 team his surname has always sparked debate with many saying it’s not in anyway a Nigerian name owing to the spelling and pronunciation of the name.
Speaking to Owngoalnigeria.com, the 22 year old said the spelling of his name is actually an error made during the processing of his international passport before he departed for Norway, where he joined Valerenga.
“ It’s not something that I’m bothered about. My passport came out like that when I was with the Nigeria U17 team in 2013. Because of the short time we had and how difficult it is to correct it, I decided to leave it like that”, he said.
“ However, the actual spelling is Ejike not Ejuke. That’s my father’s name. My name is Chidera so if you really want to call me as a Nigerian then call me Ejike but Ejuke is fine as well”.