Written by Bethel Kalu
Passion, zeal, dedication, determination and focus: these qualities are just few of Philip Ozor’s qualities and anyone that has seen the dazzling midfielder play will agree. At a time when Enyimba needed a leader and a strong character in midfield, the rock, Philip Ozor rose to the occasion
The box-to-box central midfielder joined Enyimba in 2019 from Delta Force but was sent on loan to Kwara United, where he shone brilliantly and the People’s Elephants brought him back to their fold. Since he returned, Ozor has been a fans’ favourite
Th central midfielder is versatile and can play as an attacking midfielder, a central midfielder or a defensive midfielder. Many times, he plays these three roles in one game and adapts as the coaches want.
Ozor has proven to be one of Nigeria’s finest midfielders and has received plaudits from fans and analysts at home and abroad. When one watches an Enyimba game, it will be easy to notice Philip Ozor and his hardwork.
The versatile midfielder is renowned for playing with both feet perfectly and that makes him dangerous in the middle. He initiates quick counter attacks and is famous for his perfect long balls. With his ability to use both feet well, he switches play quickly to whichever direction he wants. He is a delight when going forward as it can be seen in his brilliant assist to Emeka Obioma in Enyimba’s away victory against Rangers this season
He has a way of shielding his defenders from pressure. Ozor has been seen at right back winning the ball, at left back tackling neatly and letting a ferocious shot fly in attack. Just like Ngolo Kante was once said to cover the pitch like water covers most parts of the earth, Philip Ozor is Enyimba’s version of Kante and Wilfred Ndidi with a touch of Xabi Alonso and Andre Pirlo. When he sits deep in midfield, he dictates the pace of the game like a general and he is vocal, communicating with his teammates. If Ozor were to be a vehicle, one would think he has three engines working simultaneously.
Finidi George trusts him so much that he has played 18 games for Enyimba in the NPFL this season. There are few players in Nigeria who have played every league game. Not many Nigerians abroad can boast of such consistency. He has played 21 games in total for Enyimba this season, the most consistent Enyimba player. This did not happen by chance, he has been Enyimba’s finest, most consistent and dedicated outfield player this season
In two seasons, Ozo has played a total of 51 games for Enyimba and has 3719 minutes of action to his name
Despite being everywhere during games and is always making tackles, he has a startling record of cautions. He has only one yellow card in 21 games this season and has 4 yellow cards in 51 games for Enyimba. Remarkably, he started 41 of the 51 games for Enyimba
Ozor has played 1840 minutes of football this season and his record is among the highest of Nigerian players anywhere in the world. He is an unsung hero and is Enyimba’s backbone
As Austin Eguavoen has promised to give NPFL players a chance, one name he cannot afford to miss is Philip Ozor, a player who has shown that he can rise to the occasion, having covered himself in glory at the big stage in the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup
Hardly do players receive ovation after games but Ozo gets it back-to-back and nobody disagrees with the fans. No matter how disappointing a home game might be, fans wait behind to praise Ozor as he makes his way down the tunnel or to the team’s bus.
Although results have not been a true reflection of how Enyimba have played, Ozor remains as one of the players who have shown great individual brilliance
Philip Ozor has proven to be a rock in Enyimba’s midfield, a reliable backbone and a brilliant Super Eagles prospect