Genoa’s promising forward, Jeff Ekhator, has indicated a growing inclination toward pledging his international future to Nigeria’s senior national team. Despite having established himself within the Italian youth setup, the striker, who was born in Italy to Nigerian parents, appears to be exploring the possibility of representing his ancestral homeland at the highest level of the sport. The teenager’s potential shift in allegiance comes at a time when he is gaining significant experience and recognition in European football.
Ekhator’s international journey thus far has been firmly rooted in the Italian system, where he has demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess across multiple age groups. His record includes 11 appearances for Italy’s U-19 squad, during which he found the net on two occasions. Furthermore, the attacker has continued his upward trajectory at the U-21 level, contributing two goals in just six outings for the “Azzurrini.” Notwithstanding this successful track record with Italy, the lure of the Super Eagles remains a significant factor in his career considerations.
The young striker recently shared his enthusiasm for visiting Nigeria during the upcoming off-season, highlighting a personal desire to deepen his connection with the country. In a conversation with Vivo Azzurro TV, he reflected on the positive stories shared by his family regarding their heritage.
“I would like to go there (Nigeria), maybe this summer. They have told me something about it, about when they came here to work. We are all happy together,” Ekhator remarked.
Should the forward decide to formally commit to the three-time African champions, the process would necessitate a formal application for a change of association. Under current international regulations, Ekhator would require official clearance from FIFA to switch his eligibility from Italy to Nigeria. As the summer break approaches, both the Nigerian football hierarchy and Italian officials will likely be monitoring the situation closely to see where one of Serie A’s emerging talents ultimately decides to cast his lot.
