Nigerians who rejected Super Eagles for Italy: How did they fare?

In modern football, Nigerian players, like others around the world, have found that identity is no longer simple.

For many players born in Europe to Nigerian parents, the decision of which country to represent is deeply personal. It is often shaped by culture, opportunity, and career timing.

Italy, with its strong youth development system and early integration pathways, has become a frequent destination for players of Nigerian heritage raised within its borders. For some, the dream is to wear the famous blue of the Azzurri. For others, the pull of the Super Eagles remains strong, but not always strong enough.

Interestingly, the story is not one-directional. Players like Calvin Bassey took the opposite path, choosing Nigeria despite being eligible for European nations. His rise into a key figure for the Super Eagles highlights what Nigeria can offer: visibility, responsibility, and a central role in a passionate football culture.

Yet, for every Bassey, there are others who have leaned toward Italy, drawn by familiarity, structure, and early international exposure.

Afrik-Foot focuses on those who made that choice, players of Nigerian descent who opted for Italy at senior level, and those coming through the ranks. From established names like Angelo Ogbonna to emerging talents such as Destiny Udogie, we examine how their international careers have unfolded, what impact they made, and whether the decision ultimately paid off.

Angelo Ogbonna

Angelo Ogbonna remains the most established of the group when it comes to international exposure.

Born in Cassino to Nigerian parents, he chose Italy early and progressed steadily through the ranks before making his senior debut in 2011.

Ogbonna earned 13 caps for Italy between 2011 and 2016, a respectable return in a highly competitive defensive era. He was included in Italy’s squads for both UEFA Euro 2012 and UEFA Euro 2016, which on paper suggests a successful international career. However, the deeper reality tells a more nuanced story.

At Euro 2012, he did not play a single minute, serving as a backup option in a squad that reached the final. Four years later, at Euro 2016, he finally got his chance, playing the full 90 minutes in Italy’s final group-stage match against Ireland. While it was a milestone moment, it did not translate into a long-term role within the team.

Ogbonna’s international career can best be described as steady but unspectacular. He was trusted enough to be selected, but rarely central to Italy’s plans. For a player of his club pedigree, featuring for Juventus and later West Ham, it raises the question of whether he might have had a more prominent international role with Nigeria.

Stefano Okaka

For Stefano Okaka, the journey with Italy began in the most dramatic way possible, and then gradually faded into obscurity.

Born in Castiglione del Lago to Nigerian parents, Okaka made a clear and personal choice to represent Italy, once stating he would feel like a ‘foreigner’ playing for Nigeria. His international debut in 2014 could not have gone better: he scored against Albania, instantly announcing himself.

But that proved to be the peak.

Okaka went on to earn just five caps between 2014 and 2020, scoring only that one goal. He featured mainly in friendlies and occasional UEFA Nations League matches, never quite establishing himself as a reliable option in Italy’s attack.

Competition played a major role. Italy’s forward line was often crowded with technically gifted and tactically versatile players, and Okaka’s more physical style did not always fit the evolving system. His international career became sporadic, lacking continuity and momentum.

In hindsight, while his decision was understandable from a personal standpoint, it did not yield a lasting impact at international level.

Michael Folorunsho

Michael Folorunsho represents a different type of story, one of patience and late recognition.

Born in Rome, Folorunsho’s rise to the Italian national team came much later than his peers. After impressing at club level, particularly with Hellas Verona, he earned a call-up under Luciano Spalletti in 2024.

So far, he has only two caps, but one of them came at a major tournament, Euro 2024. He made a substitute appearance in Italy’s opening game against Albania, a significant personal milestone.

At this stage, the 28-year-old midfielder’s international career is still in its infancy. Unlike Ogbonna or Okaka, his story is not yet fully written. However, breaking into Italy’s midfield, a traditionally strong and technically rich department, remains a significant challenge.

His impact has been minimal so far, but the opportunity is still alive. The coming years will determine whether he becomes a squad player or fades like others before him.

Destiny Udogie

Among all the names on this list, Destiny Udogie appears to be the most promising.

Born in Verona to Nigerian parents, 23-year-old Udogie followed the Italian pathway from youth level, representing the country across multiple age groups before making his senior debut in 2023. He has already earned 12 caps, a strong return for a player still early in his international career.

Unlike others, Udogie is not just making up the numbers, he is becoming part of the system. Most of his appearances have come in Euro 2024 qualifiers and the UEFA Nations League, suggesting real trust from the coaching staff.

Injury denied him the chance to feature at Euro 2024, a setback that temporarily slowed his momentum. But at club level, particularly with Tottenham Hotspur, he continues to grow into one of Europe’s most dynamic full-backs.

If his trajectory continues, Udogie could become the most successful Nigerian-descended player to represent Italy in modern times. His case stands out as one where the decision to choose Italy may genuinely pay off.

The next generation: Nigeria or Italy?

Caleb Okoli

Caleb Okoli has long been on Italy’s radar, progressing through U19, U20, and U21 levels. Despite multiple senior call-ups, he is yet to make his debut.

His situation is delicate. With strong competition in defence and his current club form fluctuating, his path to Italy’s first team is uncertain. Notably, he has hinted in the past that Nigeria remains an option if Italy does not come calling decisively.

For now, he remains in limbo; a player talented enough for international football, but still waiting for a defining opportunity.

Michael Kayode

Brentford fullback Michael Kayode is widely regarded as the closest among the youngsters to breaking into Italy’s senior squad.

After an outstanding season at club level and recognition as Italy’s best U21 player in 2024, he has built serious momentum. Influential voices within Italian football have already backed his inclusion in the senior team.

His profile: modern, athletic, and tactically intelligent, fits perfectly with Italy’s evolving style. A senior debut appears imminent, and if it comes soon, he could establish himself as a long-term option.

Honest Ahanor

At just 18, Honest Ahanor is more about potential than present impact.

The Atalanta youngster has already made headlines by becoming one of the youngest players to start a UEFA Champions League match. His decision in 2026 to represent Italy over Nigeria signals long-term intent.

For now, he is being integrated into youth setups, but his rapid rise suggests he could fast-track into senior contention. Still, his journey is just beginning, and much will depend on his development at club level.