Crystal Palace’s Honest Ahanor could still play for Nigeria after leaving Italy camp

Crystal Palace defender, Honest Ahanor, has left the camp of the Italian national team after he was excluded from their squad for their forthcoming UEFA Nations League match against France.

Ahanor, who was born in Aversa, Italy, is eligible to represent the Super Eagles through his Nigerian heritage via his parents.

His exclusion from the Azzurri squad ensures he will not become cap-tied to Italy during the October 2026 international window.

The Atalanta loanee is among nine players excluded from the travelling squad to Saint-Denis, including Nicolò Cambiaghi, Diego Coppola, Daniele Ghilardi, Samuele Inacio, Eddy Kouadio, Rolando Mandragora, Massimo Pessina and Alessandro Romano.

Ahanor holds two senior caps for Italy, both earned during summer friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece.

He required two more matches this month to reach the maximum number of senior appearances permitted under FIFA’s eligibility regulations for players under 21.

Under FIFA regulations, players may change their international allegiance provided they have accumulated no more than three senior appearances for a national team prior to reaching age 21.

Ahanor maintains eligibility to represent Nigeria at senior level and would only become cap-tied to Italy following his fourth senior appearance for the Azzurri.

Another Italian-born defender of Nigerian descent, Brentford’s Michael Kayode, is no longer eligible to represent the Super Eagles following his competitive debut for Italy in their 4-1 victory over Turkey on September 28.