Brentford right-back Michael Kayode has confirmed Nigeria approached him before his first senior Italy call-up — but says he never considered switching.
Another Nigerian-heritage talent has chosen Europe over the Super Eagles. Michael Kayode, the Brentford right-back, has accepted his first senior Italy call-up — and confirmed Nigeria did try to recruit him. Here’s what he said, why he chose Italy, and why Eric Chelle isn’t short of options at right-back.
Kayode spoke at his first Italy press conference on Tuesday, as reported by Football Italia. He was open about Nigeria’s interest but clear about his choice.
“It was a very easy decision. I went through all the youth teams here. Nigeria approached me, but I never thought about changing national teams,” he said. He added that playing for Italy is “an honour”.
In other words, this was never a close call. Kayode has worn the Azzurri shirt at every youth level. Nigeria’s approach came too late to compete with that history.
The timing was dramatic. Kayode learned of his call-up on his phone at the final whistle of Brentford’s 3-0 win over Chelsea on 18 September. He called it “an incredible emotion, especially after such a big win.”
He’s one of ten potential debutants in Roberto Mancini’s squad. Italy face Belgium, France and Turkey in the Nations League during this international break.
Kayode is 22 and has Nigerian parents, but he grew up in the Italian system. His route to the top was far from smooth, though. After Juventus let him go as a teenager, he dropped to fourth-tier Gozzano at 16 to get game time.
That U19 final goal matters here. It tied him emotionally to the Italian set-up long before Nigeria came calling.
Not really. In fact, right-back is one of the better-stocked positions in Chelle’s squad. Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel are both in camp in Uyo for the AFCON 2027 qualifier against Madagascar, according to Vanguard.
That said, the pattern stings a little. Every dual-national who picks another country is a reminder of how competitive the recruitment race has become. For a wider look at who Chelle does have, our Super Eagles squad guide breaks down every position.
Nigeria has benefited hugely from diaspora players. Aina, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman were all raised or developed abroad. However, the NFF doesn’t win every battle, and Kayode is the latest example.
Once he racks up competitive senior caps for Italy, a switch becomes very hard under FIFA eligibility rules. From a Nigerian perspective, the focus now shifts to the talent already committed — starting with Friday’s opener in Uyo.
Yes. Kayode confirmed Nigeria approached him, but said he never considered switching from Italy.
He came through every Italian youth team and called it “a very easy decision” to stay with Italy.
Brentford in the Premier League. He joined from Fiorentina, first on loan in January 2025 and then permanently for €17.5m.
In theory, yes — but once he earns competitive senior caps for Italy, FIFA eligibility rules make a switch very difficult.
⚡ Ready to bet? BetKing — Up to ₦1,000,000 in Daily Free Bets. Read our BetKing review or claim the offer now.
18+. New customers only. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
