Honest Ahanor has spent his entire life in Italy, grown up Italian, thinks Italian and plays Italian football, Footynaija.com reports.
When the choice came to represent the country of his parents or the country that shaped him, it was never really a contest. Ahanor was born in Aversa, Campania in February 2008 to Nigerian parents who moved the family to Genoa when he was just one year old.
He grew up idolising Paolo Maldini, came through the Genoa academy as one of the most exciting defenders the club had produced since Pietro Pellegri, and completed a €20 million move to Atalanta last summer at 17.
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He made his Champions League debut in September and has since made 28 appearances in all competitions for one of Serie A’s most ambitious clubs.
The Super Eagles were always going to have to make a compelling case to pull him away from all of that. But they did not get the chance.
Italy moved fast once Ahanor turned 18 in February and was granted Italian citizenship, with manager Silvio Baldini calling him into the U21 squad for European Championship qualifiers against North Macedonia and Sweden.
Ahanor explains his choice
Speaking in an interview with the Italian Football Federation’s official media channel, FIGC TV, ahead of the qualifiers, the 18-year-old was open about what the Italy shirt means to him and left no room for ambiguity about where his loyalties lie.
“Being able to represent your country, the place you live in, which is in your blood, is a powerful feeling,” he said.
“Regardless of whether it’s the senior national team or an under-18 team, Italy is always Italy.”
Under FIFA eligibility rules, representing Italy at youth level does not cap-tie Ahanor permanently to the Azzurri. He would only become ineligible for Nigeria if he makes a competitive appearance for Italy’s senior team.
If a senior call-up follows, the door to the Super Eagles closes permanently. Based on everything Ahanor has said, that looks like exactly what he is hoping for.
