The 18-year-old, who was born in Aversa to Nigerian parents, has officially obtained an Italian passport - a move that significantly alters his international future, wrote AllNigeriaSoccer.

Having been previously ineligible to represent Italy due to documentation limitations, Ahanor is now free to be selected by the four-time world champions, Italy national football team.

His rise has not gone unnoticed. Currently part of the Atalanta BC system after progressing through the Genoa CFC academy, Ahanor is regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in Italy.

Reports indicate that the teenager has long identified more closely with Italy, having spent his entire life in the European country. This connection is reflected in his consistent reluctance to commit to Nigeria at youth level, despite interest from the Nigeria national football team.

With his citizenship now secured shortly after turning 18 in February, the pathway to international football has opened quickly.

Ahanor is eligible for selection across multiple levels, including Italy's Under-19 and Under-21 squads, where participation in upcoming European Championship qualifiers could provisionally tie him to the country.

There is also growing speculation that senior team coach Gennaro Gattuso could consider the young defender for the upcoming World Cup playoff clash against Northern Ireland later this month - a move that would accelerate his integration into the senior setup.

For Nigeria, the situation represents a familiar challenge in modern football - retaining dual-nationality talent developed abroad. While Ahanor remains uncapped at senior level, the momentum now appears firmly with Italy.

Unless there is a late twist, Nigeria may once again see a promising talent slip through its grasp - a familiar story that has played out with the likes of Angelo Ogbonna and Michael Folorunsho (Italy), Jamal Musiala and Karim Adeyemi (Germany), as well as Manuel Akanji (Switzerland) among others.

Super Eagles blow as teen defender edges closer to Italy call-up