Jordan Emaviwe having interview sessions at the Kallang Football Hub, 27 May 2024
Sat in the corner of the Kallang Football Hub’s sitting area, Jordan Emaviwe was trying to process his emotions as he watched seasoned players like Hariss Harun and Faris Ramli reporting for National Team duty. The 23-year-old defender had just received the call-up to join the Senior Men’s team for the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches against Korea Republic and Thailand on 6 & 11 June 2024 respectively.
In the Singapore football landscape, Jordan’s journey from grassroots football to national recognition is not merely a narrative; it is a testament to unyielding determination, unwavering commitment and the relentless pursuit of a dream.
As a player, Jordan’s mere presence on the pitch inevitably attracts attention. Standing tall at an imposing 1.93 meters, Jordan’s physical stature is matched only by his skill and versatility on the field of play. Whether anchoring the defense or leading the attack, Jordan has been able to create an impact in the role that he is assigned.
Jordan Emaviwe in action for Singapore in the 2022 SEA Games in Vietnam
Yet Jordan’s path to success was not always a smooth one. Kindled at a young age for the love of the beautiful game by his father Prince Jasper Emaviwe and his late mother Elaine Ong, Jordan faced numerous setbacks, including a rejection from the National Football Academy at the tender age of 13. Jordan however refused to be daunted in his quest for footballing success. Instead, he sought opportunities abroad and honed his craft as well as gained invaluable experience in the competitive European football stage with Swiss second-tier team FC Chiasso and Italian side FC Castiglione.
Returning to local football with Balestier Khalsa in 2020, Jordan’s talent potential continued to flourish. His enlistment into National Service in 2021 saw him join the Young Lions where he played a significant role and contributed eight goals and five assists in 30 games for the team.
Fast forward to the present and Jordan’s journey has moved to the next level. His stellar performances since returning to the heart of the Tigers’ defence have captured the attention of national selectors and earned him a coveted spot in the Singapore National Team for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers – a momentous occasion marking his maiden international call-up at the senior level after having previously represented the nation at the U-23 level.
Jordan Emaviwe undergoing National Team training at Kallang Football Hub, 27 May 2024
Reflecting on the milestone, Jordan expressed profound gratitude to National Team Coach Tsutomu Ogura for his call-up, “I feel extremely grateful. It validates all the hard work that I’ve put in the past few years. It’s great to get called up as not many get the opportunity to represent their country on the international stage.”
Having been born to a Nigerian father and a Singaporean Chinese mother, Jordan’s multicultural background enriches his identity as a true Singaporean athlete. His determination to represent his country with honour and distinction is unwavering. And as Jordan prepares to don the national colors at the senior level for the first time, he is looking forward to the prospect of facing the likes of Korea Republic’s captain Son Heung-Min, ” Personally, it’s a dream come true and I want to hit the ground running and show what I can do. Of course, I am aiming to start my first game for Singapore. I want to test myself against the best and I’m looking forward to the challenge.” he asserts confidently.
Jordan Emaviwe in a training session game at Kallang Football Hub, 28 May 2024
With the unwavering support from family and friends including the anticipation of a sold-out National Stadium on June 6, Jordan is relishing the electrifying atmosphere and the possibility of a debut in front of a vociferous home crowd. “I want to show the coach that I am a reliable player when called upon and I want to keep getting called up to the national team.”
Jordan’s trajectory toward sporting success serves as an inspiration to a new generation of Singapore footballers, underscoring the belief that with talent, dedication and determination, the sky is the limit. Keep an eye on this space – as Jordan Emaviwe’s star is on a rise and it is set to scale to even higher heights.
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
