Everton star with deaf Nigerian parents sends Eric Chelle reminder with top display against Arsenal

Tim Emeka Iroegbunam delivered a composed and disciplined performance as Everton held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park on Saturday, potentially catching the attention of Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle, Soccernet.ng reports.

Leandro Trossard had given the Gunners the lead with a well-taken finish in the 34th minute, but Everton responded in the second half when Iliman Ndiaye converted from the penalty spot to level proceedings and bury Arsenal’s slim Premier League title hopes.

Iroegbunam, 21, made his sixth start and 15th appearance of the campaign for Sean Dyche’s side, anchoring the midfield alongside Senegalese veteran Idrissa Gana Gueye.

The former England youth international was tasked with protecting the backline and offering defensive support, particularly helping fullback Nathan Patterson handle the threat posed by Arsenal’s 17-year-old prodigy, Ethan Nwaneri.

Before being substituted in the 65th minute, Iroegbunam completed 83% of his passes, made one clearance, one block, an interception, and a successful tackle — a tidy all-round showing that demonstrated both his physical presence and positional discipline.

Everton's Iroegbunam ready for Nigeria?

Born in Great Barr, Birmingham to Nigerian parents, both of whom are profoundly deaf, Iroegbunam speaks British Sign Language and remains eligible to represent Nigeria despite his youth appearances for England at U19 and U20 levels. He was part of the squad that won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2022.

Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam was able to learn sign language as a child growing up with deaf parents ❤#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/fzrw2sgc1J

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) September 27, 2024

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With just one win in six World Cup qualifying matches, Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 tournament are hanging by a thread.

Chelle has recently resumed a scouting mission across Europe, working with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to identify and attract dual-national players who can help revitalise the national team.

Iroegbunam fits that profile.

The midfielder, who joined Everton from Aston Villa last summer in a deal worth just over €10 million, has shown glimpses of the physicality, energy, and technical balance currently lacking in the Super Eagles’ midfield.

Having made his senior debut for Aston Villa before gaining more experience on loan at QPR, Iroegbunam is developing into a mature and reliable presence in central midfield — qualities Nigeria could certainly use as they prepare for must-win World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa in September.

A four-nation mini-tournament scheduled for June may provide Chelle with the perfect opportunity to hand debuts to new faces, and Iroegbunam’s name may well feature on that list, following the path taken by the likes of Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Ola Aina — all former England youth internationals who opted to represent Nigeria at senior level.

With one assist in the Premier League this season and steady performances for Everton, Iroegbunam continues to build a compelling case for international recognition — and Chelle will surely have taken note.