Kevin Martins, son of former Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins, made a significant impact in his full debut for Monza, sending a clear message to Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen and national selectors. The 19-year-old striker played a full match as Monza secured a 3-1 victory over Brescia in the Coppa Italia, advancing to the round of 16 where they will face Bologna in December.
Coach Alessandro Nesta selected Martins in his starting lineup, marking the young player’s first senior appearance. Born in Milan in January 2005 while his father was playing for Inter, Kevin is a right-sided winger who has developed through the youth academies of both Milan and Inter before joining Monza in January 2023.
Despite representing Italy at the U-15 level, Martins holds dual citizenship and is eligible to switch allegiance to Nigeria, potentially following in the footsteps of his father, who netted 18 goals in 42 appearances for the Super Eagles from 2004 to 2015. Obafemi Martins first rose to fame at Inter before enjoying a career that included stints at Newcastle United, Wolfsburg, Birmingham City, Levante, and Seattle, retiring in January 2021.
