19 year old Genoa forward Jeff Ekhator has opened up on the possibility of playing for the senior national team of Nigeria, despite his eligibility to play for England.
Ekhator is in his first full season as a professional and has found the back of the net three times this season in the Serie A, and as expected talks over his international future has popped up.
“Both my parents are Nigerian,” Ekhator said as per Pedulla. “They speak to me in both Italian and Nigerian. I’d like to go, maybe this summer. They told me something about when they came here to work.
“We’re all happy together. When I’m with my friends, I feel more Nigerian, but otherwise, I feel more Italian. I didn’t expect this quick progression because there are other players who deserve it. I’m confident in my abilities and that I’ve made another step from the Under-19s to the Under-21s.”
His declaration means he is open to the idea of playing for Nigeria, but he isn’t the only Italian born player to have made himself available for Super Eagles selection.
OwnGoalNigeria.com picks four others who have also made similar comments on playing for Nigeria.
Alessio Marcandalli – He is Ekhator’s teammate at Genoa and despite representing England at U21 level he said he is open to the idea of playing for Nigeria, if called up by head coach Eric Chelle.
Caleb Okoli – Linked with a move from relegated Leicester City to Juventus in the summer, the 24 year old famously turned down Nigeria two year ago, while at Atalanta and got his maiden invitation to the Italian team two months after. He didn’t make his debut and recent reports suggest that he is now open to the idea of playing for Nigeria.
Nosa Obarentin – On loan to Empoli from Serie A defending champions Napoli, the 23 year old says his dream is to play for the senior national team of Nigeria. Clearly turning his back on Italy despite his eligibility.
Luca Koleosho – An U21 international for Italy, but still eligible for Nigeria. According to his teammate at Paris FC Moses Simon he will likely accept an invitation to play for Nigeria.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
