Atalanta centre-back Honest Ahanor is celebrating his eighteenth birthday today, meaning he has now met the requirements to qualify for an Italian passport, a development that could have significant implications for his international future at senior level, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

Under Italian nationality law, he was unable to apply for citizenship until reaching the age of majority on February 23, 2026.

Born in Aversa, he is eligible to represent African powerhouse Nigerian through his parents but has yet to earn any representative caps to date. 

However, that could change in the coming months as the former Genoa youth teamer is known to be on the radar of the Italian Football Federation.

Italy national team coach Gennaro Gattuso observed Ahanor at close quarters during Atalanta's 1-1 draw with AC Milan in October 2025.

With the versatile defender turning 18 today, the recruitment battle between Nigeria and Italy over his international allegiance has entered a crucial phase.

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

Meanwhile, Fulham centre-back Calvin Bassey, also born in Italy, opted to pledge his international allegiance to the Super Eagles and has since become a key figure for Nigeria.

Signed from Genoa in the summer of 2025, Ahanor has appeared in twenty four games for Atalanta, scoring his first senior goal against his former club in December 2025. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: atalanta.it