Alphonsus Dike compares Ezeji to Kanu

Veteran Nigerian coach, Alphonsus Dike has compared Victor Ezeji to former Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu.

Dike, who coached the great goal poacher during his Sharks FC days told Victor Ezeji Testimonial, VET Media that he believes Ezeji is one of the most talented footballers Nigeria has ever seen.

"He's a good player, a disciplined player, somebody who is focused and I believe he is one of the most talented players we've ever had in this country.

“Coming to speak about his character and his behavior, he's exceptional and that has led to his playing for various clubs and winning laurels and I think he is a legend,” Dike said.

Dike whose last job was with Heartland FC compared Victor Ezeji to former Super Eagles captain, Kanu Nwankwo who he trained at the old Iwuanyanwu Nationale.

"He is one of those players we can boast of having produced in this country, including Nwankwo Kanu. I think he deserves all the accolades, whatever thing Nigerian football; LMC, NFF can do for a player in this country that deserves honour, I think Ezeji deserves them and it is good that we accord him that respect, that honour because he has contributed immensely to the growth of football in this country."

The former Taraba FC coach who expressed pleasure at being involved in the Victor Ezeji Testimonial also opined that Ezeji's character and education especially was needed in leading Nigerian football forward.

"He is such a wonderful character in the sense that with the kind of humility he has, irrespective of the fact that he is an accomplished academic, he's a graduated economist. From his behavior, his approach he is such an intelligent player because he is an educated person, and that is the kind of thing, the character we believe can also help in leading the country in football.

"So it is my pleasure and I am particularly honoured to be a part of his testimonial match, I was also part of his playing career, I contributed a little bit, my little quota."

Alongside revered Port Harcourt based veteran, Joseph “Zico” Egbu, Alphonsus Dike would coach Victor Ezeji for the last time as he is expected to call the shots from the dug out of Team Ezeji when they take on Team NPFL at 3pm on Saturday at the Sharks FC Stadium.

He is expected to pick from a selection of Victor Ezeji's former team mates and friends which include 2016 season NPFL winning manager, Imama Amakpakabo, Jack Robinson, Dominic Oruma, Ahmed Abdulrahman, and Obinna Nwaneri.