Super Eagles vs Italy: How Brighton’s move for Honest Ahanor could influence international future

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will likely be at alert as Brighton & Hove Albion have made a serious move to sign Nigerian-born defender Honest Ahanor from Atalanta, Afrik-Foot reports.

If the transfer goes through, it is one that could also help the Super Eagles in their battle with Italy for the teenager’s international future.

The Premier League club have submitted a formal bid worth about €34 million (£30 million) for the 18-year-old defender, according to transfer experts Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook. Brighton have been monitoring Ahanor for months and have now turned their interest into a concrete offer.

One of Europe’s most exciting young defenders, Ahanor can play as a centre-back, left-back or wing-back, making him a valuable option for modern teams.

The youngster joined Atalanta from Genoa last summer in a deal worth €20 million, making him the second-most expensive Italian 17-year-old ever at the time. Since then, his value has continued to rise after a breakthrough campaign in Bergamo, with several top clubs monitoring his development.

Despite being only 18, Ahanor has already played 41 senior matches, including nine appearances in the UEFA Champions League. His performances also earned him his first senior Italy call-up under interim coach Silvio Baldini.

However, Brighton’s opening offer may not be enough. Reports suggest Atalanta want between €45 million and €50 million before considering a sale. The Serie A side are under no financial pressure after expected major transfers involving Ederson and Marco Palestra, which could bring in more than €100 million.

Super Eagles: Why a Brighton move could help Nigeria win the race for Ahanor

Although Italy have already called up Ahanor, the defender remains eligible to represent Nigeria because of his Nigerian parents. A move to Brighton could significantly improve the Super Eagles’ chances of convincing him to switch allegiance.

The Premier League is the most watched football league in Nigeria. If Ahanor joins Brighton, he would be playing in front of millions of Nigerian fans every week. That visibility could strengthen his connection with the country and increase public calls for him to wear the green-and-white shirt.

The move would also place him closer to several established Super Eagles stars. Players such as Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi are already well known in England and could help sell the Super Eagles project to the teenager.

Nigeria may also be able to offer Ahanor a quicker path to regular international football. The Super Eagles are constantly searching for young, left-footed defenders who can strengthen the back line ahead of future AFCON and World Cup campaigns. In contrast, Italy traditionally have a long queue of defensive talents competing for places in the Azzurri squad.

There is also the example of Ademola Lookman, who switched international allegiance and has become one of Nigeria’s biggest stars. Lookman’s success story, including winning the 2024 Africa Footballer of the Year, could serve as a powerful reminder that choosing Nigeria can lead to both international success and strong support across Africa.

If Brighton can complete the transfer, the move may reshape Ahanor’s club career and also give Nigeria a valuable advantage in their recruitment battle for the young defender.