Brentford defender Michael Kayode has disclosed that the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, approached him over a possible switch of international allegiance. Born in Borgomanero, Italy, to Nigerian parents, Kayode is eligible to represent both countries at senior level. The 22-year-old has represented Italy extensively at youth level and recently received his first senior call-up to the Azzurri squad.
Kayode played a key role in Italy’s 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship triumph, scoring the winning goal in the final against Portugal. Despite the approach from the NFF, the right-back said he never considered switching allegiance, citing his long association with the Italian national 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,” he was quoted by Football Italia as saying. “I think Italy have always been a great national team, and playing here is an honour.”