Shock Genoa Move: Super Eagles Star Ehizibue Leaves Udinese After Four Years!

Former Super Eagles invitee Kingsley Ehizibue, a 31-year-old right-back, has officially completed his transfer to Serie A club Genoa as a free agent. The move comes after his contract with Udinese expired at the end of the 2025/26 Serie A season. Ehizibue signed a multi-year contract with Genoa on Thursday, September 3, following a successful medical examination at the La Tua Casa della Salute facilities, marking a new chapter in his career in Italy.

Ehizibue's departure from Udinese was amicable, as both parties failed to agree on a new deal after his contract concluded in June. Genoa, under new manager Daniele De Rossi, moved swiftly to secure the experienced Dutch-born Nigerian defender, bolstering their defensive options on the right flank. His arrival followed the collapse of a late transfer-window deal for Leicester City defender Woyo Coulibaly, who had been considered a replacement for Brooke Norton-Cuffy.

This transfer brings a seven-year story full circle for Ehizibue and Genoa, as the club had first attempted to sign him in January 2019 when he was playing for Dutch side PEC Zwolle. The deal was reportedly close, with Ehizibue scheduled to travel to Genoa for a meeting. However, a snowstorm delayed his arrival. In an unexpected turn, Ehizibue, who later earned a Super Eagles invitation under former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, informed Genoa's directors, “I can't come here, director, excuse me. I understand this isn't my place.” When pressed for a reason, he famously replied, “Yes, God told me. I saw it last night in a dream.” This decision shocked Genoa officials at the time. Ehizibue subsequently moved to FC Köln that same year, before making his return to Italy three seasons later with Udinese.

He joined Udinese from Köln in 2022 and quickly established himself as a regular presence for the Bianconeri. Over his four-year tenure in Udine, Ehizibue made a total of 119 appearances across all competitions, finding the net four times and providing two assists. His 2025/26 season was particularly active, seeing him feature in 32 Serie A matches and accumulate over 1,900 minutes on the pitch. His consistent performances underlined his value in Italy's top flight.

Reflecting on his eventual move to Genoa, Ehizibue expressed his changed perspective, stating, “As a believer, it's the best way to ask for forgiveness after, years ago, I backed out of the offer I received. Things change, and my outlook has changed. I want to get involved, and I feel joy in knowing I'll be defending the colors of Genoa. I thank the club.” This heartfelt statement highlights his maturity and commitment to his new team.

The transfer provides Ehizibue with another significant opportunity to establish himself further in Serie A, while Genoa gains a reliable and experienced defender with four years of prior experience in the league. The unusual saga that began with a religiously-inspired rejection and a missed trip in 2019 has finally reached its destined conclusion, with Ehizibue now set to don the Grifone colours for the upcoming 2026/27 season. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.