Nigeria’s hopes of seeing Crystal Palace defender Honest Ahanor represent the Super Eagles remain alive after he was left out of Italy’s squad for their UEFA Nations League clash with France.
Honest Ahanor was omitted from the travelling squad to Saint-Denis, meaning he will not add another senior appearance for Italy during the October international window. The 19-year-old was among nine players left out of the squad.
Honest Ahanor switch hopes alive for Nigeria
Born in Aversa, Italy, Ahanor is eligible to represent Nigeria through his Nigerian parents. His latest omission means his international future remains open.
The Crystal Palace defender currently has two senior caps for Italy, both coming during summer friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece. Under FIFA’s eligibility rules, players can change their international allegiance provided they have made no more than three senior appearances for a national team before turning 21.
That means Ahanor would become cap-tied to Italy after making his fourth senior appearance for the Azzurri.
As things stand, the Crystal Palace defender remains eligible to represent Nigeria at senior level. His absence from Italy’s latest squad therefore keeps the door open for a potential switch to the Super Eagles.
Ahanor had been included in Italy’s previous international plans, making his omission significant for Nigeria’s hopes of eventually securing his international allegiance.
The Super Eagles can still hope that Ahanor chooses Nigeria, with the defender yet to reach the appearance threshold that would tie him permanently to Italy.
His international future remains one to watch, particularly with the young defender continuing to have a choice between the two nations. Nigeria are reportedly making efforts to persuade the Palace defender to make the switch.
