Super Eagles: What next for Nigeria after Italy win the race for Koleosho, Ahanor & Ekhator?

Super Eagles may have lost the latest round of struggle for the international allegiance of Luca Koleosho, Honest Ahanor and Jeff Ekhator, Afrik-Foot reports.

Italy took another key step in securing the international futures of three players with Nigerian roots after Luca Koleosho, Honest Ahanor and Jeff Ekhator featured prominently during the Azzurri’s June international window.

The four-time FIFA World Cup winners defeated Greece 1-0 in a friendly in Crete on Sunday, with coach Silvio Baldini continuing his policy of integrating young talent into the senior national team.

Paris FC winger Koleosho started both friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece. Against Greece, Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor and Genoa forward Jeff Ekhator were handed their first starts for the senior side.

Ekhator enjoyed a memorable outing, helping Italy secure victory. The striker delivered a dangerous cross from the left in the 18th minute, allowing Pio Esposito to score the only goal of the game.

The 18-year-old had earlier created Italy’s first chance after receiving a pass from Pietro Comuzzo before dragging his effort just wide.

Koleosho remained one of Italy’s brightest attacking threats after the break. The winger first saw an effort take a deflection before rattling the crossbar with a powerful left-footed strike following a pass from substitute Fini.

While Italy appear to have moved ahead in the race for the trio, the Nigeria Football Federation still has reason to remain optimistic.

Nigeria: Super Eagles’ door remains open

Despite making senior appearances for Italy this month, none of Koleosho, Ahanor or Ekhator has become permanently tied to the European nation.

Under FIFA regulations, players who feature only in international friendlies remain eligible to switch allegiance if they already qualify for another country. Since the matches against Luxembourg and Greece were non-competitive fixtures, all three youngsters can still represent Nigeria in the future.

Among the trio, Ekhator may provide Nigeria with the greatest encouragement. The Genoa striker has previously spoken about his Nigerian heritage, revealing that both of his parents are Nigerian and that he maintains a strong connection to the country.

Ahanor remains one of Italy’s most highly-rated defensive prospects and could strengthen a position where Nigeria currently rely heavily on Bruno Onyemaechi and Zaidu Sanusi. His ability to operate as a modern attacking left-back would also give coach Eric Chelle greater tactical flexibility.

Koleosho offers a different profile entirely. The speedy winger is comfortable staying wide, taking on defenders one-on-one and stretching opposition defences. Those qualities could complement attackers such as Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze.

Even if Italy eventually convince all three players to stay permanently, Nigeria are not short of alternatives. The Super Eagles can still call upon established options including Calvin Bassey, Femi Azeez, Nathan Tella and Akor Adams, while several other dual-national prospects remain on the federation’s recruitment radar.

At the moment, Italy may have won the latest round in the battle for three exciting talents, but the contest is far from over. Nigeria can still make its case before any of the players become cap-tied through competitive international appearances.