Serie A side Udinese add third player of Nigerian descent to first-team squad

Udinese has confirmed the signing of young Irish-Nigerian star Festy Ebosele, with the versatile winger committing to the little Zebras until 2027.

Blessed with strength, technique, and pace, Ebosele functions as a fullback and a winger, qualities that convinced the Italian Serie A side to hand him a five-year deal.

Born in Ireland to Nigerian parents, Ebosele has featured for the Republic of Ireland youth teams from the u-16 to the u-21 level. The 19-year-old is yet to make his debut for the senior team, making him still eligible to play for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Ebosele had his youth career at Moyne Rangers and Bray Wanderers, but he arrives in Udine from Derby County, where he has been since 2018. The fullback only made his Derby debut last year dramatically in an FA Cup loss to Chorley.

Ebosele was one of fourteen players from the club’s academy to make their debut in the game after a COVID-19 outbreak forced the entire Derby first-team squad and coaching team to isolate.

He has not looked back since, making 30 appearances in the Championship this term, scoring twice and adding one assist.

The youngster will spend the rest of the season at Derby County and join his new teammates in June.

Ebosele will be the third player of Nigerian descent at Udinese, with Italian-Nigerian wingback Destiny Udogie and Nigeria international Isaac Success already key members of the little Zebras’ squad.