Timothy Eviparker. Photo: talk.mt

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Born in Malta to a Nigerian dad and Maltese mum, rising footballer Timothy Eviparker, 18, says his heart belongs to Nigeria.

He talks about his football journey and dream of playing for the Super Eagles, in this interview with ‘TANA AIYEJINA

Can you tell us about your football journey?

My name is Timothy Eviparker and I’m an 18-year-old Maltese/Nigerian professional footballer.

I’m currently 184 cm tall and my preferred positions are left wing and striker.

I’ve been playing football for 15 years and have played for Sliema, Floriana, San Gwann, and Hibernians Academies.

I am currently playing for Żabbar St. Patrick’s in the Maltese First Division.

How would you describe your experience so far as a footballer?

My path to becoming a pro football player has not been the usual.

I took a two to three-year break from football when I was about 13, because it wasn’t giving me as much joy to play anymore and I was showing interest in basketball. It was something I wanted to do at the time.

I’ve only gotten back into football two years ago at age 16, and I’ve made massive progress since then — like being chosen for the Maltese national team and signing my first professional contract.

I feel like there’s still massive room for me to improve and learn, since I missed out on so much in those years that I hadn’t been playing.

Your father, Anthony Eviparker, a retired footballer, is a big name in Maltese football.

How have your parents inspired you to so far?

My mother is by far my biggest inspiration when it comes to my career as a footballer and as a teenager becoming a man.

She has sacrificed and been through so much for me and my younger sister.

When I got back into football, I originally did it just because I came back to loving the sport.

But when I realised the potential I had, I started to play for so much more.

I want to reach a point where I can provide for my family like how they provided for me.

Your dad is Nigerian, how much of Nigeria do you know?

Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to go to Nigeria myself, and it’s something I really want to do when I get the chance.

But I’d say I try to stay as close to it as I can. Basically, all my friends are Nigerian and I don’t feel as close to the European culture as I do with Nigerian culture.

When someone asks me where I’m from, I always say Nigeria.

There are so many Nigerian footballers in Malta, how close are you to them?

There are many mixed-race players like me that are around my age, so it’s very easy to connect with them since we can relate to so many things.

Also, when Nigerians play against each other, it’s almost automatic to show respect to one another, so it’s very easy to form bonds with other fellow Nigerians.

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You were born in Malta, meaning you can represent them and Nigeria internationally.

Which of the two countries would you like to represent?

It is always a privilege to represent any country on an international level, and representing Malta is definitely an honour.

But because of what I feel — and with things like racism and ignorance being so high — I think I would rather represent the country I’ve felt closer to my entire life.

Who’s your favourite Nigerian footballer of all time and why?

My favourite Nigerian footballer of all time is definitely Jay-Jay Okocha, because of the way he toys with defenders so easily.

It’s like he’s training, and it’s so rare to see players like that.

Which footballer do you model your style after?

Of course, there are players I look up to and idolise, but I don’t think I can compare my game to any other player, because it is unique and you would have to see me play to understand.

How would you describe Maltese football compared to other European nations?

Maltese football is full of quality and is at quite a good level.

Compared to other big countries like Spain, Germany, etc., it isn’t as fast and physical, but technically, the level is quite high.

Are you hoping to move abroad soon to pursue your career in Europe’s big leagues?

Of course, I don’t think Malta is my ceiling, and I think I’d be doing myself a disservice by remaining here.

It would be an honour to play for a big club that is known worldwide, and not just in Malta.