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Genoa’s 19-year-old striker Jeff Ekhator has spoken about the possibility of playing for Nigeria’s senior team, despite having the right to play in England.
Ekhator is in his first full season as a professional and has found the back of the net three times this season in Serie A and, unsurprisingly, talks have emerged about his international future.
“Both my parents are Nigerians,” Ekhator said, according to Pedulla. “They speak to me in both Italian and Nigerian. I would like to go, maybe this summer. They told me something about when they came here to work.
“We are all happy together. When I am with my friends, I feel more Nigerian, but otherwise, I feel more Italian. I did not expect this rapid progression because there are other players who deserve it. I am confident in my abilities and that I have taken another step from the U-19 to the U-21.”
His statement means he is open to the idea of playing for Nigeria, but he is not the only Italian-born player to have made himself available to the Super Eagles squad.
OwnGoalNigeria.com picks four others who have also made similar comments about playing for Nigeria.
Alessio Marcandalli – He is Ekhator’s teammate at Genoa and, despite representing England at U21 level, said he is open to the idea of playing for Nigeria, if called up by coach Eric Chelle.
Caleb Okoli – Linked with a move from relegated Leicester City to Juventus in the summer, the 24-year-old turned down Nigeria two years ago while at Atalanta and received his first invite to the Italian side two months later. He did not debut and recent reports suggest he is now open to the idea of playing for Nigeria.
Nosa Obarentin – On loan to Empoli from defending Serie A champions Napoli, the 23-year-old says his dream is to play for Nigeria’s senior team. He clearly turns his back on Italy despite his eligibility.
Luca Koleosho – Under-21 international for Italy, but still eligible for Nigeria. According to his Paris FC teammate Moses Simon, he will probably accept an invitation to play for Nigeria.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
