Jeff Ekhator Opens Up on Dual Identity: Genoa Striker Feels Nigerian With Friends Despite Growing Up in Italy

Jeff Ekhator, the Genoa striker of Nigerian descent, has addressed the question of cultural identity in a recent interview, describing how his Nigerian roots remain a defining part of who he is even as he builds his career in Italy.

Ekhator was born in Genoa to two Nigerian parents and has spent his entire life in Italy, where he also progressed through the football ranks and represented the country at youth international level. Despite that upbringing, he says his family background continues to shape his sense of self in meaningful ways.

Speaking to Vivo Azzurro TV, Ekhator reflected on the dual cultural influences he experiences at home. “Both of my parents are Nigerian, and they speak to me in both Italian and Nigerian,” he said.

The forward also revealed that he is considering a first visit to Nigeria in the coming months. “I would like to go there, maybe this summer. They have told me a bit about it, about when they came here to work. We are all happy together,” he added.

On the question of identity itself, Ekhator acknowledged the distinction between his social environment and his deeper personal sense of belonging. “When I am with my friends, I feel more Nigerian. But otherwise, deep down, I feel more Italian,” he explained.

Ekhator’s situation reflects a broader pattern familiar in European football, where second-generation players of African parentage regularly face questions about national allegiance and cultural identity. Several prominent players with Nigerian heritage — including those currently representing the Super Eagles — navigated similar decisions earlier in their careers before committing to one national team or another.

At club level, Ekhator has been part of the Genoa setup in Serie A, where the club has been working to avoid relegation from the top flight. His development as a striker will likely attract closer scrutiny from both Italian and Nigerian football observers as he progresses.

While Ekhator has represented Italy at youth level, no formal commitment to either senior national team has been confirmed at this stage. Should he become eligible and attract interest from the Nigeria Football Federation, he would join a growing pool of European-based talent available to the Super Eagles. Nigeria’s senior squad has increasingly relied on players based in top European leagues, and identifying eligible dual nationals remains a priority for the federation.

Ekhator has not indicated any formal intention to switch international allegiance, and his comments appear to reflect a personal exploration of identity rather than a declaration of footballing loyalty in either direction.