Former Sweden U21 international of Nigerian descent Emmanuel Ekong will not participate in Malmo's Allsvenskan opener against Örgryte on Easter Sunday.

According to reports in the Swedish press, manager Miguel Ángel Ramírez will be without the tri-national forward, who is eligible to represent the senior national teams of Italy, Sweden, and Nigeria.

Malmo-based online newspaper Gasetten says Ekong is not ready to play against Örgryte as he is still undergoing rehabilitation after suffering a knee injury in the friendly match against Kalmar.

Emmanuel is the son of former Super Eagles midfielder Prince Ikpe Ekong, who was a member of the Nigeria side that finished third at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations, featuring in a group game versus Benin and the bronze medal match against Mali.

The 23-year-old returned to Swedish football in January 2025, signing a multi-year contract with 24 Swedish top-flight champions Malmo.

In his first season at Malmo, he made 45 appearances in all competitions including debuts in the Europa League and the qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.

Born in Reggio Emilia, Italy, Ekong counts Bollstanäs SK, IF Brommapojkarna, Empoli, Perugia and Istra 1961 as his former clubs. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel