Four-time FIFA World Cup champions Italy claimed a 1-0 victory over Greece in an international friendly held in Crete on Sunday, with head coach Silvio Baldini giving starting debuts to two teenagers of Nigerian descent, according to allnigeriasoccer.com. The match marked a significant moment for young talents Honest Ahanor and Jeff Ekhator, who both started for the Azzurri and played the full first half. Italy’s squad for the June international fixtures included several emerging players, with Atalanta defender Ahanor, Genoa striker Ekhator, and Paris FC winger Luca Koleosho all earning call-ups.
Koleosho started in both of Italy’s friendlies, against Luxembourg and Greece, while Ahanor and Ekhator made their senior team debuts in the Greece match. Ekhator delivered a standout performance in his first full appearance for the national team, contributing directly to the only goal of the game. In the 18th minute, he delivered a precise cross from the left flank that found Pio Esposito, who calmly finished to secure the win for Italy.
Before that decisive moment, Ekhator had already shown his attacking intent, collecting a pass from Comuzzo and firing a shot that narrowly missed the target. His movement and vision were evident throughout the first half, earning praise from fans and analysts alike. Koleosho, meanwhile, was Italy’s most dangerous attacker in the second half, testing the Greek defense with two notable chances. His first attempt was deflected, while his second, a left-footed strike after being set up by Fini—who replaced Ekhator at halftime—hit the crossbar.
Despite their recent debuts with Italy’s senior team, Ahanor, Ekhator, and Koleosho remain eligible to represent Nigeria’s Super Eagles, as they have not yet made official appearances for Italy in competitive matches. This eligibility opens the door for Nigeria’s football federation to consider them for future call-ups, especially given their growing experience at the international level. The performances of these Nigerian-descended players highlight the increasing global reach of Nigerian football talent and the potential for future representation at the highest levels.
As Italy continues to develop its youth talent, the inclusion of these players in senior fixtures signals a shift toward building a competitive future. Their success on the pitch, particularly in high-pressure moments, suggests they could become key figures in Italy’s upcoming campaigns. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s football authorities will be closely monitoring their progress, knowing that such players could strengthen the Super Eagles in the years ahead.
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