Nigerian footballer Jacob Isaac Ekpo is looking to take another step in his development after moving to Thailand, where the young attacker is currently with Chumphon United.

The 19-year-old, who previously spent time with Bali United Academy in Indonesia, is attempting to build a career in Asian football while keeping open his longer-term ambition of playing at a higher level in Asia or Europe.

Born on January 23, 2007, Ekpo primarily operates from the left wing or as a striker, although his development has also included experience at right-back.

That positional journey has given the Nigerian exposure to both defensive and attacking responsibilities as he continues to determine where his abilities can be used most effectively.

Ekpo describes himself as an attacker who relies on pace, physical strength and intensity, with a willingness to press opponents and make runs behind defensive lines.

He also considers his defensive work rate an important part of his game.

Having previously operated as a full-back, Ekpo believes that experience has helped him better understand what defenders face when dealing with attacking players, while also reinforcing the importance of contributing when his team is out of possession.

Before pursuing opportunities abroad, Ekpo featured for Next Talented Ballers FC in Nigeria.

He attracted attention during the 2024 1XBET Cup, where he represented the club in the grassroots competition.

Following his team’s elimination from the tournament, Ekpo spoke about the disappointment of not progressing further but said the competition had provided an opportunity for players to showcase their abilities.

He also expressed confidence that greater experience would help the team improve.

The next phase of his development subsequently took him outside Nigeria.

Ekpo spent time with Bali United Academy, part of the development structure associated with Indonesian club Bali United, before moving on to Thailand.

He is now with Chumphon United, where the focus is on adapting to a new football environment and continuing his development.

For a young player attempting to establish himself outside his home country, that process involves more than simply changing clubs.

Different coaching methods, tactical demands, cultures and playing environments can require significant adjustment, particularly for players still transitioning from youth football towards the senior game.

For Ekpo, the objective is to use those experiences to become a more complete footballer.

One feature of Ekpo’s early career has been his ability to play in different positions.

Although his preference is now towards attacking roles, particularly on the left wing and through the middle, his previous experience at right-back provides another dimension to his development.

Versatility can be useful for young footballers seeking playing opportunities, but establishing a clear primary position can also become increasingly important as they progress towards higher levels of the game.

Ekpo’s challenge will therefore be to translate the physical qualities and positional flexibility he identifies in his game into consistent performances.

At 19, development remains the central objective.

Technical improvement, tactical awareness, decision-making and consistency will become increasingly important as the standard of competition rises.

Ekpo’s experience in Nigeria, Indonesia and now Thailand has already exposed him to different football environments at a relatively young age.

What comes next will depend on how effectively he converts that experience into progress on the pitch.

His longer-term ambition is to play at a higher professional level, whether in Asia or Europe.

For now, however, Ekpo is focused on the more immediate task of developing his game in Thailand, earning competitive opportunities and establishing himself as an attacking player capable of progressing further.

For a footballer whose journey has already taken him from Nigerian grassroots football into Southeast Asia, each opportunity represents another chance to demonstrate that he can take the next step.