Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea eye 15‑yr‑old Ejodamen at Dortmund
Barcelona have joined Arsenal and Chelsea in scouting Italian-Nigerian midfielder Justin Ehikioya Ejodamen, a 15-year-old born in Germany to Nigerian parents who plays for Borussia Dortmund’s U16 team and is eligible to represent Italy, Nigeria or Germany at international level.
Juventus has also shown interest, according to the report, and Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea have each sent scouts repeatedly to monitor Ejodamen’s performances in Dortmund’s U16 matches and Italian youth internationals. Dortmund are eager to keep the teenager, but any transfer would fall under FIFA’s regulations on minors, requiring parental consent and approval from the player’s current club.
For Nigerian fans tracking diaspora talent, Ejodamen’s development is noteworthy because he could one day choose to play for the Super Eagles if he switches allegiance before his senior international debut. His youth caps for Italy and eligibility for three nations illustrate the growing trend of dual‑heritage players shaping African football. Will he stay in Dortmund until he turns 18, push for a move to a Premier League or La Liga giant, or ultimately represent Nigeria when he becomes eligible for senior competition?