Roma legend warns Super Eagles, Italy about Genoa gem: “He’ll be worth tens of millions!”

Genoa manager Daniele De Rossi has sent a strong message to both Nigeria and Italy after praising teenage striker Jeff Ekhator, Afrik-Foot reports.

De Rossi, who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy, insists the young forward could soon become one of the most valuable players in Europe.

Speaking at a press conference covered by AreaNapoli, the Genoa boss pointed at Ekhator’s rapid development and hinted that the 19-year-old is on track for a huge future if his progress continues.

Since taking charge at Genoa, De Rossi has overseen a remarkable turnaround. The club were deep in the relegation zone when he arrived, but a tactical switch to a 3-5-2 system brought stability and confidence. Step by step, Genoa climbed to safety, with several players improving under his guidance.

One of the biggest success stories has been Ekhator. The striker, born in 2006, has grown quickly into a key figure at the club and has also impressed within Italy’s youth national teams.

During the 2024–25 season, Ekhator became one of the youngest scorers in Europe’s top five leagues, second only to Lamine Yamal at the time. Before breaking into the senior team, he dominated youth football, scoring 32 goals and providing 20 assists in 73 matches for Genoa’s academy. He also played a leading role in helping Genoa’s U18 side win a national title in the 2023–24 campaign.

Physically, Ekhator fits the modern striker profile. At 1.88 metres tall, he combines strength, pace, and movement. He is mainly used as a centre-forward but can also operate as a second striker or from the left wing. Even with limited minutes in the senior team, he has already shown his quality by scoring against strong opponents such as Napoli, AS Roma, and Atalanta BC.

De Rossi could not hide his admiration about the teenager.

“He’s growing visibly, he’s finally training like a champion,” the 42-year-old tactician said. “Everyone has their own time to reach professional maturity, but it would be a serious problem if a coach or club squandered his wild strength, flexibility, and explosiveness.

“He moves well, attacks space, and manages his speed; he’s working hard to maintain consistency and tactical defensive organization. You’ll see that in a few years he’ll be worth tens and tens of millions of euros.”

Genoa’s Ekhator: Nigeria and Italy on alert

De Rossi’s comments could serve as a warning to both Nigeria and Italy, who are locked in a growing battle for Ekhator’s international future.

Born in Genoa to Nigerian parents, the striker is eligible to play for both countries. Although he has represented Italy at youth levels, including the U19 and U21 teams, he is not yet tied to them at senior level under FIFA rules.

This means Nigeria still has a real chance to convince him to switch allegiance, though a formal one-time nationality change would be required if he chooses the Super Eagles.

Ekhator himself has opened up about his identity, showing just how complex the decision could be.

“I am Nigerian from both parents, and they speak to me both in Italian and in Nigerian,” he said. “When I am with my friends, I feel more Nigerian, but otherwise deep down I feel more Italian.”

The teen forward has also revealed plans to visit Nigeria in the summer, a move that could strengthen his connection with the country.

Still, the advantage remains Italy’s. Ekhator was born and developed there, and the Italian Football Federation has already integrated him into their system. He is seen as a potential long-term solution to Italy’s search for a reliable modern striker.

Nigeria, however, offers fierce competition in attack, with stars like Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, and Ademola Lookman already in the squad.

At club level, interest in Ekhator is also growing. Top teams such as Juventus are closely monitoring his progress, while talent analysts already value him at more than €12 million before his 20th birthday.

It is no longer news that Genoa hold a precious asset. But if De Rossi’s prediction comes true, Jeff Ekhator may not stay under the radar for long.