Atalanta has announced the signing of Nigerian left-footed defender Honest Ovonranwen Ahanor from Genoa, confirming he was born to Nigerian parents.
Ahanor, who joined Genoa’s youth sector as a child, became the first player born in 2008 to appear in the Italian Serie A last season, making his debut at just 16 years old against Juventus.
The 17-year-old defender played six games in the top-flight last term and has been signed by Atalanta as part of their summer recruitment drive, which has also seen them sign Odilon Kossounou from Bayer Leverkusen and Kamaldeen Sulemana from Southampton.
Atalanta confirmed Ahanor’s eligibility to play for Nigeria, stating, “Born on February 23, 2008 in Aversa to Nigerian parents, Honest joined Genoa’s youth sector when he was still a child.
“Since he hasn’t played for Italy at any level, it’s likely Nigeria will consider calling him up to the Super Eagles.”