Jeff Ekhator Hints at Nigeria Switch as Dual-National Future Remains Open

Genoa forward Jeff Ekhator has sparked fresh speculation about a possible international switch to Super Eagles after opening up about his Nigerian heritage, despite currently representing Italy at youth level.

The 19-year-old striker, born in Genoa to Nigerian parents, remains eligible to play for both countries at senior level. His recent comments are expected to draw attention from the Nigeria Football Federation as they monitor dual-national prospects.

Speaking to Vivo Azzurro TV, Ekhator emphasized the influence of his roots on his identity, explaining that both of his parents are Nigerian and that their culture continues to shape his life.

“I am Nigerian from both parents and they speak to me both in Italian and in Nigerian,” he said. “I would like to go there, maybe this summer. They have told me something about it, about when they came here to work. We are all happy together.”

Currently part of Italy’s U-21 setup, Ekhator acknowledged the dual nature of his identity. While he feels more Italian due to his upbringing, he admitted that his connection to Nigeria becomes stronger in social settings.

“When I am with my friends, I feel more Nigerian, but otherwise deep down I feel more Italian,” he noted.

Ekhator has risen quickly through Italy’s youth ranks, featuring for the U-19 and U-20 sides before stepping up to the U-21 team. He scored three goals in 11 appearances at U-19 level and added two in six games for the U-20s.

At club level, he has also made significant strides with Genoa CFC. He made his professional debut in August 2024 during a Coppa Italia win over AC Reggiana 1919, before making his Serie A debut shortly after in a 2–2 draw against Inter Milan. Since then, he has gone on to make over 50 league appearances.

Under FIFA eligibility rules, Ekhator is not yet cap-tied to Italy, as he has not featured in a competitive senior international match. This leaves the door open for Nigeria to secure his commitment.

With his career gaining momentum and his international allegiance still undecided, Ekhator’s remarks are likely to intensify interest from Nigeria as they seek to strengthen their attacking options with emerging dual-national talent.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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