By Victor Isiguzo
He was part of the Nigeria squad to the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia 2004.
He played for twelve Clubs in a career that spanned 20 years.
The Clubs are Julius Berger FC of Lagos, Reggiana of Italy, Koper of Slovenia, Tecos UAG of Mexico, AC Bellinzona of Switzerland and FCM UTA of Romania.
Others are Shenyang Ginde of China, Xiamen Lanshi China, GAIS of Sweden, Djurgårdens IF of Sweden, Väsby United Sweden and Märsta IK.
He was one of the most traveled Nigerian players and the second Nigerian to play in the Chinese League in 2003 after Benedict Akwuegbu who joined earlier in 2002.
He was still very good in the game when he severed his contract with his last Club with God's calling irresistible.
He got married to the Gorgeous Patricia 19 years ago and their marriage is blessed with six wonderful Children (4 boys and 2 girls) including two sets of twins.
All his four boys Emmanuel (17), Shalom (15), twin boys Elijah and Elisha (9) play the game and are talented too.
His first Son, the big boy of the house, Emmanuel (17) is already a professional player currently signed by Italian side, Empoli since 2018 and has graduated from the initial U17 side to their U19 team. He started his career at Swedish side, IF Bromma U17 side.
Since his father does not joke with education, the Young Emmanuel who is eligible to play for any of Sweden, Italy and Nigeria combines his football with studies and he has a contract with sports wear giants, Nike and gets supply of gears worth six thousand Euros yearly.
Shalom Ekong plays for Bele Barkaby FF U17 side.
(Emmanuel and Shalom)
The twin boys, Elijah, a goalkeeper and Elisha, a midfielder play for another academy team in the Scandinavian Country.
His girls are not interested in football and have chosen their career paths, Sharon (Shalom's twin) is a fashion designer and highly talented in the craft.
Grace is a graceful gospel singer/Song Writer who also also plays Piano.
Corona Virus Times
With Corona virus shutting down the world and making every one to stay at home, Prince Ikpe Ekong is home in Sweden with every member of his family.
"Honestly I am overwhelmed seeing every member of my family together, when I look how they have all grown I just give glory to God"
"People are always looking at us and asking if we are one family when ever they see all of us together especially at the Airport when we travel together"
On the state of the world with Corona virus ravaging Nations, the Reverend Gentleman who traded the round leather for the Bible had this to say:
"Corona Virus is a war humanity have to unite to fight and win, it's not a World war to devide us but one to unite us"
"We must learn lessons of Cleanliness being next to Godliness as many fell away from self hygiene and have to fall back inline now"
"It's a time to show love and empathy to one another irrespective of tongue or colour"
Prince Ekong is currently an Evangelist/Pastor at The Centre International Church in Sweden.
Photos: Prince Ikpe Ekong
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