Jeff Ekhator, the Italy U21 international of Nigerian descent, scored a crucial goal as Genoa fought back to defeat Pisa SC 2-1 in Serie A matchday 33 at the Cetilar Arena on Sunday. The victory, secured in front of home fans, saw Genoa climb to 13th place in the league table with 39 points, while Pisa remain at the bottom with just 18 points after five matches left in the season. Ekhator’s strike, a powerful left-footed shot from inside the box, came four minutes before halftime, leveling the score after Pisa had taken the lead through Simone Canestrelli’s header from a corner delivered by Samuele Angori in the 19th minute.
Lorenzo Colombo sealed the win for Genoa ten minutes after the restart, converting a penalty with composure to send the home side into the lead for good. The match also saw Nigeria international midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro feature for Pisa, starting the game and playing 61 minutes before being substituted for Juan Cuadrado, the experienced Juventus loanee. Akinsanmiro, currently on loan from Inter Milan, continues to gain valuable first-team experience in Italy’s top flight.
Ekhator’s goal against Pisa adds to his growing list of impressive performances this season. He has already found the net against two of Serie A’s most storied clubs, Napoli and AS Roma, showcasing his ability to perform against top-tier opposition. His earlier goal came in a Coppa Italia match against Empoli FC last September, further highlighting his consistency across competitions. The 21-year-old striker has drawn interest from major European clubs, including Portuguese giants Benfica and English Premier League side Crystal Palace FC, during the winter transfer window.
Genoa’s resilience in this match reflects their determination to avoid relegation and build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. Their current position, 13th in the standings, offers a buffer from the drop zone, but they remain cautious as the campaign enters its decisive phase. For Pisa, the defeat deepens their struggles at the bottom of the table, where they continue to fight for survival with limited points and inconsistent results.
Ekhator’s continued form could play a pivotal role in Genoa’s push for stability in the league, while also attracting further attention from clubs across Europe. His performances are a testament to the growing influence of Nigerian talent in Italian football, and his journey remains one to watch as the season unfolds.
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