1. Early life and personal background
Augustine Amamchukwu Ejide was born on April 8, 1984, in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. His name, Amamchukwuibo, translates to "I know God." Standing at 75 in (190 cm) tall, Ejide developed into a professional goalkeeper known for his shot-stopping abilities.
2. Club career
Ejide's professional club career began in Nigeria and spanned across several countries, including Tunisia, France, and Israel. He became recognized for his crucial performances, often helping his teams achieve significant milestones or avoid relegation.
He started his career at Gabros International (now Ifeanyi Ubah F.C.), where he had a remarkable season from 2000 to 2002. Following his impressive form, he moved to the Tunisian club Étoile du Sahel in 2002, where he played until 2006. During his time with Étoile du Sahel, Ejide made a notable impact by reaching two CAF Champions League finals, showcasing his talent on the continental stage.
In 2006, Ejide joined SC Bastia in the French Ligue 2, where he spent three years before moving to Israel in 2009. His next destination was Hapoel Petah Tikva, where he played from 2009 to 2012. He was instrumental in saving the team from relegation, a testament to his goalkeeping prowess. In 2012, Ejide transferred to Hapoel Be'er Sheva, where he remained until the end of the 2014-2015 season.
After a brief hiatus, Ejide joined Hapoel Hadera in 2017, playing for the club until 2020. During the 2017-2018 season, he played in 27 games and recorded an impressive 15 clean sheets. His exceptional performances were pivotal in Hapoel Hadera securing a spot in the Israel Premier League (Ligat HaAl). He is widely regarded as a "Saviour" in the city of Hadera for helping the club return to the top flight after 39 years in the lower divisions. From 2020 to 2021, Ejide played for Sektzia Ness Ziona FC.
3. International career
Augustine Ejide had a distinguished international career with the Nigeria national football team, making his debut and participating in several major international tournaments over more than a decade.
He made his debut for Nigeria against the Namibia national football team on June 16, 2001. Ejide represented his country in a total of 34 international matches, keeping 0 goals, between 2001 and 2014. He was consistently part of the Super Eagles' squads for multiple FIFA World Cups and Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
3.1. FIFA World Cup participation
Ejide was a squad member for three FIFA World Cup tournaments, although he did not make any appearances in these competitions. He was included in the Nigerian squad for the 2002 FIFA World Cup held in Japan and South Korea, the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. His presence in these squads highlighted his consistent role as one of Nigeria's top goalkeepers during that era.
3.2. Africa Cup of Nations
Ejide was a prominent member of the Super Eagles' squad in five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments: 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2013. In the 2013 tournament, Nigeria emerged as the champions, with Ejide being part of the victorious squad.
At the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted in Ghana, Nigeria's coach, Berti Vogts, selected Ejide as the first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Vincent Enyeama for all four of the Super Eagles' matches. His first AFCON game was on January 21, 2008, when Nigeria lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast in their opening Group B match. Despite this, he went on to keep clean sheets in Nigeria's 0-0 draw with Mali and a 2-0 victory over Benin.
3.3. FIFA Confederations Cup
In 2013, Augustine Ejide was selected as part of the Nigerian squad to participate in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. This tournament further cemented his status as a key member of the national team.
3.4. International appearances by year
| Year | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 1 | 0 |
| 2002 | 3 | 0 |
| 2003 | 1 | 0 |
| 2004 | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 | 1 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 | 6 | 0 |
| 2008 | 5 | 0 |
| 2009 | 2 | 0 |
| 2010 | 1 | 0 |
| 2011 | 4 | 0 |
| 2012 | 1 | 0 |
| 2013 | 5 | 0 |
| 2014 | 4 | 0 |
| Total | 34 | 0 |
4. Honours
Augustine Ejide's career was marked by significant team achievements and national recognition, underscoring his contributions to Nigerian football.
- Team Honours
- Africa Cup of Nations: 2013
- Orders
The ribbon of the Order of the Niger, an honor Ejide received. - Member of the Order of the Niger (MON): Ejide was bestowed with this national honor, one of the highest orders in Nigeria, recognizing his contributions to the country through sports.
5. Legacy and reception
Augustine Ejide is remembered for his long and impactful career as a goalkeeper for both clubs and the Nigerian national team. His consistent performances, particularly his ability to secure clean sheets and contribute to team successes, earned him significant recognition. At Hapoel Hadera, he is considered a "Saviour" for his crucial role in helping the club achieve promotion to the Israeli Premier League after nearly four decades in lower divisions. This achievement highlights his direct influence and legacy at the club level. On the international stage, his participation in multiple major tournaments and his tenure as a Super Eagles goalkeeper solidifies his place as a notable figure in Nigerian football history.