A Journey of Football and Brotherhood

Tijjani Reijnders, AC Milan’s midfield maestro, recently revealed the depth of his bond with Udinese defender Kingsley Ehizibue. Their friendship, forged in their hometown of Zwolle, has blossomed into an unbreakable brotherhood that transcends the football pitch.

Reijnders and Ehizibue began their professional journeys at PEC Zwolle, where their connection was first formed. Both players grew up in the Dutch city of Zwolle, and their shared passion for football brought them closer during their time at the club. Even after their careers took them in different directions, with Ehizibue moving to FC Cologne in 2019 and Reijnders joining AZ Alkmaar in 2018, the duo stayed inseparable.

Their paths converged once more in Italy, with Reijnders now donning the iconic red and black of AC Milan and Ehizibue representing Udinese. When their teams clashed at the San Siro in October, the emotions were high. Reijnders was sent off in the 30th minute, but Milan secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze. After the game, the two friends exchanged jerseys, showcasing their enduring bond.

Speaking about their friendship, Reijnders shared with Tutto Udinese:
“Ehizibue from Udinese is my best friend, and he was also my best man at my wedding. We played together at PEC Zwolle and are from the same city, Zwolle. Now we are both professionals, and we both play in Italy.”

Interestingly, Reijnders’ connection to Nigeria runs even deeper. His father, Martin, was an ardent admirer of Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida during the player’s time in the Netherlands in the 1990s. This admiration led him to name his son Tijjani in honor of the Nigerian winger.

As for Ehizibue, his Nigerian roots have also shaped his career. Born in Germany to Nigerian parents and raised in the Netherlands from the age of two, he remains eligible to represent the Super Eagles. Although he received a call-up in 2020, the pandemic disrupted his debut.

Reijnders and Ehizibue’s story is a testament to the power of friendship and the unifying spirit of football. From Zwolle to the bright lights of Serie A, their bond remains unshaken.