Former Nigerian international Obafemi Martins is hopeful that his son, Kelvin Martins, will choose to represent Nigeria at the senior level, despite his eligibility to play for three countries.
Kelvin, a talented winger, currently plays for Serie A club AC Monza, having joined the club last summer. Before his move to Monza, he spent several years in the youth teams of prestigious Italian clubs AC Milan and Inter Milan, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience in Italy’s top footballing academies.
The 18-year-old made a significant step in his career on September 26, 2024, when he made his senior debut for Monza in a 3-1 victory over Brescia in the Coppa Italia. Kelvin started the match and played the full 90 minutes, impressively assisting the first goal in the process. This performance marked a major milestone in his young career.
Kelvin’s eligibility to play for multiple nations comes from his dual heritage. His mother, Abigail Barwuah, is the sister of famous Italian striker Mario Balotelli, which gives him the option to represent Italy. However, with his Nigerian father, Obafemi Martins, a former Super Eagles star, Kelvin also has strong ties to Nigeria, as well as Ghana through his mother’s side.
Despite his previous experience with Italy at the U15 level, Obafemi Martins has expressed his desire for his son to represent Nigeria at the senior level. “I hope Kevin chooses to play for Nigeria. It would mean a lot to me and to my country,” said Martins, who had a successful international career with the Nigerian national team.
As Kelvin continues to progress in his career, all eyes will be on his international future, with Nigeria, Italy, and Ghana all potentially vying for his services at the senior level.
