AC Milan right back Zachary Athekame has opened up on his Nigerian roots after making the breakthrough at Italian Serie A side AC Milan, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Athekame has slowly played himself into the first team picture at AC Milan following his move in the summer from Switzerland side Neuchâtel Xamax in the summer. Head coach Max Allegri has shown unwavering faith in him.
So far he has played three games including his first start yesterday in the 2-1 win over Fiorentina in the league. He was on for 57 minutes and was subbed off seven minutes after he was yellow carded.
Speaking after his debut for the U21 of Switzerland, where he was born to a Nigerian father and a Swiss mother. He spoke glowingly about his Nigerian background and also dreams of international football.
” My father is Nigerian so the option of playing for them was an option, but I am clear on what I want and it’s why I am here at the moment”, he said in an interview two years ago.
He made 13 appearances at that level for Switzerland before making the step up to the senior team following his maiden call up by head coach Murat Yakin for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Slovenia on 13 October 2025, in which he didn’t get to play any part in a goalless draw.
It means he is still eligible to play for Nigeria at senior level, but that is not an option that appears to be on the radar for now.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
