Brentford defender, Michael Kayode, has disclosed that Nigeria approached him over representing the Super Eagles before he received his first senior call-up to the Italy national team.
The 22-year-old, whose parents are Nigerian, was included in Roberto Mancini’s 34-man Italy squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures after progressing through the country’s youth teams.
Kayode said he learned about his senior invitation after Brentford’s 3-0 Premier League victory over Chelsea on September 18.
“I didn’t know about the Italy call-up before the game [against Chelsea]; I found out at the final whistle, on my phone,” Kayode told reporters on Tuesday. “It was an incredible emotion, especially after such a big win.”
Despite being eligible to play for Nigeria, the former Fiorentina defender said his long association with Italy at youth level made his decision straightforward.
“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.
“I think Italy have always been a great national team, and playing here is an honour.”
Kayode has represented Italy from youth level through the Under-21s and helped the country win the European Under-19 Championship, scoring the winning goal against Portugal in the final.
His route to the top level was not straightforward, as he left Juventus for fourth-tier side Gozzano at the age of 16 before Fiorentina provided an opportunity to return to professional football.
Brentford initially signed Kayode on loan from Fiorentina for €500,000 in January 2025 before making the move permanent for €17.5m.
He has since made 63 appearances for the Premier League club, scoring twice and providing three assists.
The defender will now have the opportunity to make his senior Italy debut in the Nations League, with the Azzurri scheduled to face Belgium, France and Turkey.
Nigeria, meanwhile, have other options at right-back, with Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel among the established choices, while Ryan Alebiosu and Abdullahi Bewene provide younger alternatives for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle.
