Why the race for Atalanta’s Honest Ahanor isn’t over for the Super Eagles

The race to secure Honest Ahanor for the Super Eagles has hit a significant hurdle following confirmation that the defender has officially obtained Italian citizenship, Soccernet.ng reports.

​The international future of the 18-year-old has been a major talking point in recent weeks. Born in Italy to Nigerian parents, Ahanor is a product of the Italian football system.

His rapid development saw him rise through the ranks at Genoa before completing a big move to Atalanta last summer in a deal worth €16 million.

This was a staggering fee for a player who was only 17 at the time. This investment underscores just how highly he is rated in Italy.

​Despite his talent, Ahanor has been notably absent from Italy’s national youth teams. This is due to Italian law, which dictates that children of foreign parents do not automatically gain citizenship at birth. Instead, they must wait until they turn 18 to apply.

​Ahanor reached that age on February 23, and his application was officially granted this Tuesday.

While the Nigerian football community may fear he is the latest talent to choose a European power over the Super Eagles, the door remains technically open.

​The Path to Nigeria's Super Eagles Remains Open For Honest Ahanor

​Although the fact that Honest Ahanor applied applied now has an Italian passport is a blow to Nigeria’s immediate hopes, a slight possibility remains that Ahanor could still don the green and white.

​Italy recognizes dual citizenship, meaning the youngster is not required to renounce his Nigerian nationality.

Also, despite his new legal status, an immediate call-up to the senior Azzurri squad is unlikely. Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso currently enjoys an barrage of riches in defence, with established names like Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori, Alessandro Buongiorno, and Diego Coppola ahead of the teenager in the pecking order.

​For now, Ahanor is expected to integrated into Italy’s youth setups (U19 or U21). Recall that under FIFA eligibility rules, appearing for a nation at the youth level does not cap-tie a player.

​Ahanor only becomes ineligible for Nigeria if he makes a competitive senior appearance for Italy.

If he sees that his path to the senior Azzurri squad is blocked by Italy's top-class defensive depth, he may then consider the Super Eagles. However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) would have to stay persistent in their approach.