Honest Ahanor: Nigeria risk losing Atalanta defender close to securing Italian passport

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that the Nigeria Football Federation are in danger of missing out on the services of Atalanta wonderkid Honest Ahanor, who has been making waves in the Italian Serie A this season.

Born in Aversa, Campania, seventeen years ago, the versatile left-back is eligible to represent both Nigeria, through his parents, and Italy, where he was born.

Ahanor joined Atalanta on a permanent deal from Genoa during the summer transfer window and has yet to earn a call-up to any of Italy's youth national teams.

Although the Italian Football Federation are monitoring his progress closely, Ahanor has not been invited to their youth teams because he does not yet hold an Italian passport.

Under Italian nationality law, he cannot apply for citizenship until he attains the age of majority on February 23, 2026.

Should Ahanor decide to commit his international future to Nigeria, he would need to feature in at least four matches for the Super Eagles, including one competitive fixture, to prevent a potential switch to Italy.

The talented 17-year-old has been gradually integrated into Atalanta's first team, featuring in the club's last five matches, starting three and coming off the bench twice.

In the past, the Italian Football Federation have successfully convinced players of Nigerian descent such as Destiny Udogie (Tottenham Hotspur), Michael Folorunsho (Cagliari) and former West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna to represent Italy at senior level.

Fulham centre-back Calvin Bassey, who was also born in Italy, chose to represent the Super Eagles and has become one of the key players for the three-time African champions.

The NFF may need to act swiftly to ensure Ahanor commits his international future to Nigeria before Italy formalize their interest.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: atalanta.it

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