Who is Sylvester Jasper? The Fulham product observed by Peseiro; insists he's good enough for Super Eagles

Sylvester Jasper, a name that might not ring a bell for the casual football fan, was recently monitored by Nigerian national team coach, Jose Peseiro during Benfica's 4-0 win over Portimonense in a Liga Portugal clash. 

Born in England, Jasper's story is one of rich tapestry, woven with threads of three nations.

His eligibility to represent England, the country of his birth, is a no-brainer. However, his Nigerian heritage, stemming from his father, and Bulgarian roots, passed down from his mother, make him a truly "tri-national" player, a rare breed in the beautiful game.

Jasper's football journey began at the youth academies of Queens Park Rangers and Fulham. Both breeding grounds for some of England's finest talents.

He honed his skills there, showcasing his potential as a talented forward. While he never quite amassed game time with the first team at Fulham making just three appearances whilst enduring loan spells at Bristol Rovers, Hibernian and Colchester united, his abilities didn't go unnoticed.
 

He earned international recognition, representing England at the U-15 and U-16 levels, whilst also featuring four times for Bulgaria's U21s.

Despite his English and Bulgarian roots and youth international appearances, the lure of his Nigerian heritage seems to be calling. Jasper, as it would appear, may be open to the possibility of representing the Super Eagles. 

However, the then on-loan Bristol Rovers winger disclosed in September 2022 that he is yet to make a decision on his international future alongside the fact that he feels he is good enough to represent either of the three countries he's eligible to play for, if the opportunity ever presented itself.

"I haven’t decided what country I am going to be playing for yet," Jasper told Bristol World. 

"I could represent England, Nigeria or Bulgaria. I feel like I am good enough to play for all three personally."

So, what makes Jasper such an intriguing prospect? Firstly, his versatility is a valuable asset.

He is comfortable playing across the frontline, offering attacking options on the flanks or as a central striker.  His pace, trickery, and eye for goal are qualities that could bolster any national team.

Secondly, his international ambiguity presents a unique opportunity for Peseiro. With Nigeria boasting a plethora of attacking talents, adding a player like Jasper, who can seamlessly integrate into the squad due to his shared heritage, could prove to be a masterstroke.

However, the competition for a place in the Nigerian national team is fierce. Established names and other emerging talents will vie for Peseiro's attention.

Whether Jasper can convince the coach of his worth and secure a place in the squad remains to be seen.

One thing is certain, though: Sylvester Jasper's story is only just beginning. His tri-national background, coupled with his burgeoning talent, has placed him firmly on the footballing map.

With the watchful eye of Peseiro upon him, the future for this exciting young forward promises to be filled with intrigue and, hopefully, international glory.

Ejim Kaycee

Photo Credit : fulhamfc.com

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