Brentford defender Michael Kayode has revealed that he turned down an approach from Nigeria to represent the Super Eagles.

Kayode, who has become one of the best full-backs in the Premier League, chose to represent Italy at international level without hesitation.

The 22-year-old right-back, born in Borgomanero, Italy, to Nigerian parents, confirmed the Nigeria Football Federation contacted him. However, Kayode made it clear he never seriously considered switching allegiance.

“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 told Football Italia.

Kayode has represented Italy at various youth levels, including scoring the winning goal in the 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship final against Portugal.

He has now earned his first senior call-up to the Azzurri squad.

Speaking after learning of his selection following Brentford’s win over Chelsea, Kayode expressed pure joy at fulfilling a long-held dream.

“It’s a great emotion to wear the Azzurri shirt. I found out about the call-up immediately after the win against Chelsea, in which I also scored. It was a perfect day…

“I’ve always considered it an honour to be part of this national team. And now, here I am.”

Despite Nigeria’s interest and his eligibility through parental heritage, Kayode has consistently prioritised Italy.

His decision closes the door on a potential Super Eagles career as he prepares to make his senior debut for the country of his birth.

According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Udinese has reached a verbal agreement with former Real Madrid defender David Alaba.
The Austrian star represents a dream signing for the Italian club, and both parties have agreed in principle.

However, Romano noted that formal procedures remain to be completed by both sides before the official “here we go!” announcement.

The 34-year-old Austrian defender finished last season with the Blancos and is now a free agent.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to lose talented defender Michael Kayode to the Italian senior team, report has indicated.

​Kayode has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League since last season. He joined Brentford from Fiorentina in 2025, and he has been a consistent performer ever since.

​Last season, he featured in 37 games, contributing one goal and one assist. He was a solid rock at the back and became famous for his long throws, which consistently caused trouble for opponents and led to goals for his club.

​However, Nigeria had taken notice of Kayode since his days at Fiorentina, and there have long been calls to draft him into the national team setup.

​The obstacle, however, has been that the 22-year-old currently plays for the Italian youth setup. Although he has Nigerian roots, he is eligible for Italy because he was born there and obtained his citizenship when he turned 18.

​Consequently, he has represented them at the Under-18, Under-19, and Under-21 levels. Still, there was hope that as long as he did not feature for the senior team, he would remain eligible to play for the Super Eagles.

​Those hopes are now set to be dashed, as he has been called up to the Italian senior team for the upcoming international break.

​They take on Belgium, Turkey, and France in their opening fixtures of the new UEFA Nations League, and if Kayode features in those games, under FIFA rules, he will no longer be eligible to play for Nigeria even if he later decides to switch allegiances.

​