Brentford defender Michael Kayode has revealed that Nigeria approached him before he accepted his first senior Italy call-up, but the 22-year-old says he never seriously considered switching international allegiance.

Kayode, whose parents are Nigerian, has represented Italy throughout his youth career and recently earned a place in the senior squad. The defender says his long association with the Azzurri made the decision straightforward.

Michael Kayode says Nigeria approached him

Kayode confirmed that Nigeria made contact with him as he weighed his international future.

However, the Brentford defender explained that he had already developed a strong connection with Italy after progressing through the country’s youth teams.

“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,” Kayode said.

The defender added that representing Italy at senior level is an honour after years of wearing the Azzurri shirt.

“I think Italy have always been a great national team, and playing here is an honour,” he said.

His comments provide a clear explanation for why Michael Kayode rejected Nigeria despite his Nigerian heritage.

[Internal Link: Super Eagles latest squad news]

Kayode’s long relationship with Italy

Kayode’s decision did not come suddenly. The defender has spent much of his international career representing Italy at youth level.

He helped Italy win the European Under-19 Championship and scored the winning goal against Portugal in the final. He later progressed to the Under-21 team.

That background played an important role in his decision to continue with Italy.

Kayode eventually received his first senior call-up after establishing himself at club level. He said he only discovered the news after Brentford’s victory over Chelsea.

“I didn’t know about the Italy call-up before the game; I found out at the final whistle, on my phone,” he said.

“It was an incredible emotion, especially after such a big win.”

From Juventus setback to Brentford

Kayode’s rise to senior international football has followed an unusual path.

After leaving Juventus at the age of 16, he joined fourth-tier Italian club Gozzano. Fiorentina later provided an opportunity for the defender to return to the top level.

Brentford initially signed Kayode on loan from Fiorentina in January 2025 for €500,000 before making the transfer permanent for €17.5 million.

The right-back has since become an important part of Brentford’s squad, making 63 appearances, scoring twice and providing three assists, according to the figures provided in the original report.

His progress at club level eventually earned him recognition from the Italian senior team.

Nigeria have other right-back options

While Nigeria approached Michael Kayode, his decision leaves Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle with several alternatives at right-back.

Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel provide experienced options, while younger players such as Ryan Alebiosu and Abdullahi Bewene remain part of the wider pool of potential candidates.

As a result, Kayode’s decision does not leave Nigeria without options in the position.

Instead, the Super Eagles can continue developing their existing right-back options while monitoring the progress of other eligible players.

Conclusion

Michael Kayode has explained why he chose Italy despite being approached by Nigeria.

The Brentford defender’s decision reflects his long association with Italian football and his progression through the country’s youth teams. After helping Italy at Under-19 and Under-21 levels, Kayode now has an opportunity to establish himself with the senior side.

For Nigeria, Michael Kayode’s decision means the Super Eagles will continue with their existing options at right-back while developing other young players eligible to represent the country.