Kayode’s Italy debut adds to Nigeria’s list of international near-misses

Michael Kayode has joined a group of prominent players of Nigerian descent who have chosen to represent other countries after scoring on his senior debut for Italy, according to Punch Nigeria. The Brentford right-back scored in the 27th minute as Italy defeated Turkey 4-1 in the Nations League. Kayode had been left on the bench for Italy’s 2-0 defeat by Belgium before making his first senior appearance in Bursa.

Nigeria had attempted to establish contact with Kayode after head coach Eric Chelle approved a meeting with the player, the report said. Kayode later confirmed that the Nigeria Football Federation had contacted him, but said his development through Italy’s football system influenced his decision. Born in Italy to Yoruba parents, Kayode represented the country at under-18, under-19 and under-21 level.

He previously told Tuttosport that Italy would always receive priority. The 22-year-old moved from Fiorentina to Brentford for €17.5m and has a contract with the English club until 2030. The report places Kayode alongside Bukayo Saka, Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise, who also have Nigerian heritage but play internationally for England, Germany and France respectively.

Saka, born in London to Yoruba parents, chose England after receiving his first senior call-up in 2020, despite public interest from Nigeria. Musiala, born in Stuttgart to a British-Nigerian father and German mother, rejected an approach from Nigeria in 2020 and has remained with Germany. Olise, whose father is Nigerian and mother is Franco-Algerian, had the option of England, Nigeria or Algeria before selecting France.

Other players cited include David Alaba, Manuel Akanji and Eberechi Eze. Their situations differed: Alaba said Nigeria never made a formal approach, Akanji said Nigeria never called him, and Eze attended a Nigerian youth camp before committing to England.