Brentford's Michael Kayode Chooses Italy Over Nigeria

Michael Kayode, a defender for Brentford, has officially decided to no longer represent Nigeria at the international level after making a cap-tying appearance for Italy in their 4-1 victory over Türkiye. Born in Borgomanero, Italy, Kayode was eligible to play for Nigeria through his Nigerian parentage.

However, he chose to represent Italy, his country of birth, despite efforts from the Nigeria Football Federation to persuade him otherwise. In the UEFA Nations League match held at the Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matlı Stadium, Kayode, wearing the number 2 jersey, was part of the starting XI and became the first Italian defender to score on his international debut since Gian Marco Ferrari in May 2021.

Prior to this competitive debut, Kayode had represented Italy at the U18, U19, and U21 levels. Due to FIFA’s eligibility regulations, he cannot switch his sporting nationality to Nigeria, as he was over 22 years old at the time of his senior debut.