Obafemi Martins’ son, Kevin, has seen his international future become a topic of discussion following his exploits with MonzaThe 19-year-old is eligible to represent Nigeria, the Italian national team, as well as the West African nation, GhanaThe former Super Eagles forward has named the country he would prefer his son to represent amid his impressive form at Monza
The international allegiance of Kevin Martins finds itself in the spotlight following his burst onto the scene with Italian Serie A outfit, Monza.
The 19-year-old, who is the son of former Super Eagles of Nigeria attacker Obafemi Martins, is eligible to represent the Italian national team, the Black Stars of Ghana, as well as Nigeria.
Kevin’s tri-nationality stems from his parents and his uncle, who, surprisingly, is Mario Balotelli.
Kevin Martins during the Coppa Italia round of 16 match between Bologna FC and AC Monza in Bologna on December 3, 2024, at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. Image: Luca Rossini.
Source: Getty Images
The Monza star is eligible to represent Italy, which is his country of birth. The versatile attacker also qualifies to represent Ghana through his maternal uncle and former Manchester City striker Balotelli. His Nigerian eligibility stems from his father.
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However, amid talks of what could become of the international future of the 19-year-old, his father, Obafemi Martins, has spoken about which country his son could represent.
Martins speaks on the international future of his son
In an interview earlier this week in Marrakesh with French-based Nigerian journalist, Babatunde Ojora, Obafemi Martins addressed the possibility of his son, Kevin, representing the Super Eagles. Martins said:
“Hopefully, yes. I mean, he’s half-Nigerian, so we will see.”
The Italian Football Federation has already made the first move to secure Kevin’s services, capping him at the U15 level.
The young forward marked his debut for Italy’s youth national team with a goal off the bench in a 4-1 victory over Portugal in November 2019.
Despite Italy’s early interest, the chances of Kevin playing for Nigeria seem promising. He carries a significant legacy, being the son of a Super Eagles legend.
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Obafemi Martins scored 18 goals in 42 appearances for Nigeria, earning a place among the country’s football greats, according to data from SofaScore.
Kevin isn’t the only second-generation talent linked to the Super Eagles. Emmanuel Ekong, son of former Nigeria star Ikpe Ekong, is also making waves. Currently excelling at Empoli, Emmanuel faces a similar dilemma, weighing the choice between representing Nigeria or Sweden on the international stage.
Why Nigeria missed out on Musiala, Olise
Henzodaily.ng in another report detailed the reasons why the Super Eagles of Nigeria missed out on Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise, as well as Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi.
The trio were previously eligible to represent the Super Eagles but eventually opted to represent Germany, England, and France, respectively.
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Source: Henzodaily.ng