3 PLAYERS SUPER EAGLES COULD LOSE TO ITALY AFTER AZZURRI RELEASE 24-MAN SQUAD

3 PLAYERS SUPER EAGLES COULD LOSE TO ITALY AFTER AZZURRI RELEASE 24-MAN SQUAD Nigeria’s Super Eagles may be facing a fresh setback in their long-running battle to secure dual-nationality talents, after Italy released a 24-man experimental squad featuring several players eligible to represent Nigeria at senior international level. The new call-ups have reignited concerns within Nigerian football circles over the growing trend of Europe-born players of Nigerian descent choosing to commit their international futures to European national teams instead of the Super Eagles. The development comes as Italy continues to rebuild its squad structure and widen its talent pool, with emphasis on youth and dual-eligible players ahead of upcoming international fixtures. Interim Italy coach Silvio Baldini reportedly named a 24-man squad for upcoming friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece, handing senior opportunities to several emerging talents with Nigerian heritage. Among them are forward Luca Koleosho, Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor, and Genoa striker Jeff Ekhator all of whom remain eligible to represent Nigeria at senior level. According to reports, the inclusion of these players does not permanently cap-tie them to Italy, but it places the Azzurri in a stronger position to convince them to commit long-term to the European side. The three standout names currently attracting attention are

1. Honest Ahanor Defender, Atalanta
Highly rated for his composure and defensive awareness, Ahanor has progressed rapidly through Italy’s youth system and is seen as one of their most promising young defenders.

2. Jeff Ekhator Forward, Genoa
A physical and direct attacker, Ekhator has impressed in youth competitions and is being closely monitored by Italian scouts as part of their long-term attacking rebuild.

3. Luca Koleosho Winger, Paris FC
Eligible for multiple countries including Nigeria, Koleosho’s versatility and pace make him a valuable option for Italy’s emerging squad structure. Nigeria has historically struggled to retain players of dual eligibility, with several high-profile footballers opting for European nations in recent years. However, the Super Eagles have also successfully secured key talents such as Calvin Bassey, who chose Nigeria despite being eligible for Italy. Football analysts warn that early senior call-ups by European nations often influence long-term international decisions, particularly when players are integrated into competitive squads at a young age. The situation highlights the ongoing recruitment battle between Nigeria and European football federations, especially Italy, France, and England, who continue to scout players with African heritage. With Nigeria preparing for future AFCON and World Cup qualification campaigns, securing top dual-nationality talents remains a strategic priority for the Nigeria Football Federation NFF. The latest Italy squad selection is therefore seen as another early test of Nigeria’s ability to retain emerging stars before they become fully committed to European national teams.