GENOA forward Jeff Ekhator has sparked fresh speculation over a possible international switch to Nigeria after openly discussing his roots and personal connection to the country, despite his current involvement with Italy’s youth teams.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that the 19-year-old striker, born in Genoa to Nigerian parents, remains eligible to represent both Italy and Nigeria at senior level, with his recent remarks expected to draw attention from officials of the Nigeria Football Federation.
Speaking about his background, Ekhator revealed that both of his parents are Nigerian and that their heritage continues to shape his identity. He added that he maintains a strong connection to Nigeria through language and family history, while also expressing a desire to visit the country soon.
“I am Nigerian from both parents and they speak to me both in Italian and in Nigerian,” Ekhator said in an interview with 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 added.
The young forward, who has progressed steadily through Italy’s youth system and currently features for the U-21 side, reflected on his dual identity, acknowledging both his Nigerian heritage and Italian upbringing.
He explained that his sense of identity often shifts depending on his environment, noting that he feels more connected to Nigeria in social settings, even though his upbringing ties him closely to Italy.
“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 ranks has been swift, having represented the country at U-19 and U-20 levels before earning promotion to the U-21 team.
He has recorded three goals in 11 appearances for the U-19 side and added two goals in six outings for the U-20 team.
Despite his rapid progression, the striker admitted that his development has exceeded his expectations, while expressing confidence in his ability to continue improving at higher levels of the game.
“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 still free to switch allegiance, as he has yet to make a competitive senior appearance for Italy, leaving the door open for Nigeria to secure his commitment.
At club level, the forward has also begun to establish himself, making his professional debut in August 2024 when he came off the bench in a 1–0 Coppa Italia victory over Reggiana.
He followed that up with his Serie A debut days later in a 2–2 draw against Inter Milan.
Since then, Ekhator has gone on to make 51 appearances for his club in Serie A, underlining his growing influence and development at the top level.