Emmanuel Ekong, son of former Super Eagles midfielder Prince Ikpe Ekong, scored his first senior goal for Serie A club Empoli during their 2-1 victory over Torino in the second round of the Coppa Italia. Ekong opened the scoring in the 30th minute, heading in a cross from Nicolas Haas. Although Torino equalised through Chรฉ Adams with sixteen minutes remaining, Haas secured the win for Empoli in the 90th minute.
This goal marked Emmanuel Ekong’s first for the Empoli senior team after nine appearances and 99 minutes of game time across Serie A and Coppa Italia. The 22 year old striker previously scored 24 goals for Empoli’s youth teams and spent the 2023-2024 season on loan at Croatian club NK Istra, where he netted three goals in 22 matches.
Despite speculation that Ekong might be loaned out again this summer, he remained with Empoli and has appeared in five matches this season. Born in Reggio Emilia, Ekong is eligible to represent Nigeria, Sweden, and Italy at the international level.
Editorial
Emmanuel Ekongโs first senior goal for Empoli represents a significant milestone in his young career, a moment of vindication for the striker who has worked his way through the ranks of youth football. Scoring in a competitive match like the Coppa Italia provides a crucial confidence boost and signals that Ekong is ready to step up and contribute at the highest level.
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We believe Ekongโs development shows promise, especially considering his consistent performances for Empoliโs youth teams. His goal against Torino demonstrates his potential as a reliable finisher, and he will likely see more playing time shortly. For Empoli, retaining him rather than sending him out on loan again has proven to be a wise decision. The goal also strengthens his case for international recognition, given his eligibility for multiple national teams, including Nigeria.
The next step for Ekong will be to build on this momentum and secure a more regular starting role. With Empoli looking to make a stronger push in both Serie A and the Coppa Italia, Ekong could play an increasingly important role in their campaign.
Did You Know?
- Emmanuel Ekongโs father, Prince Ikpe Ekong, played for the Super Eagles in the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished in third place.
- Empoliโs youth academy has produced several notable players, including Italy international Riccardo Saponara and former Juventus defender Daniele Rugani.
- The Coppa Italia is Italyโs premier knockout football competition, with teams from Serie A and lower divisions competing for the trophy.
- Ekongโs versatility allows him to play as both a centre forward and a winger, giving Empoli tactical flexibility.
- Ekong spent his youth career at Reggiana and Inter Milan before joining Empoliโs academy, where he flourished as a prolific scorer.
