Wellington Phoenix have completed their first signing ahead of the Isuzu UTE A-League 2025-26 season with Nigerian striker Ifeanyi Eze joining the club to lead the attack.
The 26-year-old arrives from Al-Karkh SC in the Iraq Stars League, where he scored 15 goals and provided five assists last term in a standout campaign, despite his side finishing 14th on the ladder.
“He has all of the attributes I was looking for in an attacker,” said Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano.
“He can score goals, he’s very fast, he can dribble at pace and his intention is to always go forward.
“Eze’s got this nice instinct where as soon as he gets around the 18-yard box he’s looking to shoot or create. He can also link quite well.
“And the most important thing for me is he’s a really, really good person.”
Italiano believes Eze’s goals can translate into the Isuzu UTE A-League.
“The leagues are very similar in terms of rankings in Asia,” he said.
“The Iraqi league is a little bit more transitional and a bit different to the A-League, but the fact that he scored 15 goals and had five assists in a team that was down the bottom is very impressive.
“And stylistically he suits the way I want to play.”
Eze will link up with his new teammates once he obtains his New Zealand work visa.
The striker began his career in his native Nigeria with Akwa United, before joining Kano Pillars. He then played in the Libyan Premier League with Al Soquor and Al Hilal, before heading to Iraq, where he spent one season.
“The earlier I get to Wellington the better,” Eze said.
“I hope everything goes fast and smoothly so I can join the team for the pre-season and start to play.
“Getting to know everyone, the tactics, my teammates and how they play will be very helpful to me.
“One thing that I can assure the fans is that they’re going to see a hard worker.
“They’re going to see someone who is dedicated to give the best for the team, put in everything he’s got and is open to learning more to add to what he’s got to give the team the best that he can.
“I know everyone wants a player who can score goals and help the team…but I don’t want to talk too much about that.
“I like doing my talking on the field and they should be ready for Eze!”
Eze will take the Phoenix No. 7 shirt vacated by club legend Kosta Barbarouses, who has sealed a move to Western Sydney Wanderers.
He knows he has big shoes to fill.
“I respect him for what he has done at the Wellington Phoenix. It’s not easy to score double figure goals in a season,” he said.
“But on the other hand I’m coming to Wellington to do something better as well.
“Everyone has to be optimistic with their career and what they want to achieve.”
