Kevin Martins, a talented 19-year-old winger for Italian club Monza, is at the center of a unique international dilemma.
Born in Milan, Martins has triple eligibility: Nigeria through his father, Obafemi Martins; Ghana through his mother, Abigail Barwuah, who is Mario Balotelli’s sister; and Italy by birth.
Although Martins has represented Italy’s U15 side, his appearances came exclusively in friendly matches, leaving his international future open.
This allows him the possibility of playing for Nigeria’s Super Eagles or Ghana’s Black Stars, two nations eager to secure the services of the promising youngster.
A Breakthrough at Monza
Martins joined Monza in the summer of 2023 after honing his skills in the youth systems of AC Milan and Inter Milan.
His competitive debut came on 26 September 2024, during a 3–1 Coppa Italia victory over Brescia.
Playing the entire match as a starter, Martins made an immediate impact by providing an assist for Monza’s opening goal, showcasing his potential on a bigger stage.
Obafemi Martins Hopes for a Nigerian Future
Obafemi Martins, Kevin’s father and one of Nigeria’s most iconic footballers, has publicly expressed his desire for his son to represent the Super Eagles.
“I hope he chooses Nigeria. He is half Nigerian, so we will see,” Obafemi told Nigerian journalist Babatunde Ojora.
Having scored 18 goals in 42 appearances for Nigeria, Obafemi Martins believes his son has the talent to succeed at the highest level, regardless of which nation he ultimately represents.
“It’s a big decision, but he has all the talent to succeed no matter which nation he decides to represent,” he added.
A Football Legacy of Distinction
Kevin Martins’ footballing heritage is nothing short of extraordinary. His father’s prolific career with clubs like Inter Milan and Newcastle United earned him a place in Nigerian football history.
On his mother’s side, Martins is related to Mario Balotelli, the former Italian international who played for top clubs such as Manchester City and AC Milan.
An Uncertain Future
The race to secure Kevin Martins’ international allegiance remains wide open.
While the Nigeria Football Federation is likely to intensify efforts to bring him into the Super Eagles fold, Italy and Ghana are also strong contenders.
For now, Martins remains undecided, letting his performances at Monza speak for themselves.
His burgeoning talent will undoubtedly keep the three nations closely watching his next move.
