Genoa star Ekhator hints at Eagles switch

Genoa forward Jeff Ekhator has fuelled speculation over a potential international switch to Nigeria after speaking openly about his roots and connection to the country, despite his current involvement with Italy’s youth teams, PidomNigeria Sports Extra reports.

The 19-year-old striker, who was born in Genoa to Nigerian parents, remains eligible to represent both nations at senior level, with his latest remarks likely to alert officials of the Nigeria Football Federation.

He explained that both of his parents are Nigerian and that their heritage continues to shape his sense of identity, adding that he maintains a connection to the country through language and family history, while also expressing a desire to visit in the near future.

“I am Nigerian from both parents and they speak to me both in Italian and in Nigerian,” Ekhator told Vivo Azzurro TV.

“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,” he said.

Ekhator, who has progressed through Italy’s youth ranks and now features for the U-21 side, reflected on his background and identity, revealing a strong familial link to Nigeria while acknowledging his upbringing in Italy.

The young forward also spoke about how his identity shifts depending on his environment, noting that he feels a stronger connection to Nigeria in social settings, even though he largely identifies with Italy due to his upbringing.

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

Ekhator’s rise through the Italian system has been rapid, having represented the country at U-19 and U-20 levels before stepping up to the U-21 side.

He has scored three goals in 11 appearances for the U-19s and added two goals in six games for the U-20 team.

Despite this progression, he admitted that his development had exceeded expectations, while maintaining confidence in his ability to continue improving at a higher level.

“I did not expect this very fast progression because there are also other footballers who deserve it. I am confident in my abilities and that I have taken a step forward from the U-19 to the U-21,” he said.

Under FIFA eligibility rules, Ekhator is not yet tied to Italy, as he has not made a competitive senior appearance, leaving the door open for Nigeria to secure his services.

The striker has also begun establishing himself at club level, having made his professional debut in August 2024, coming off the bench in a 1–0 Coppa Italia win over Reggiana, before making his Serie A debut days later in a 2–2 draw against Inter Milan.

He has since amassed 51 games for the club in Serie A

With his career on an upward trajectory and his international future still undecided, Ekhator’s comments are likely to intensify interest from the Super Eagles as they look to strengthen their attacking options with emerging dual-national talents.