Brentford’s Michael Kayode could switch allegiance to Nigeria after being overlooked by Italy, potentially solving the Super Eagles’ defensive crisis ahead of crucial qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations.
According to Soccernet.ng reporting, the Nigerian national team has been handed a significant advantage in its pursuit of highly-rated Brentford defender Michael Kayode following his notable omission from the latest Italian senior squad announcement.
The 21-year-old right-back, born in Italy to Nigerian parents, has had an impressive trajectory through the Azzurri’s youth system.
This included scoring the decisive goal in the 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship final and being named Italy’s Best Player Under 21 in 2024.
Despite this strong pedigree and an excellent start to the current Premier League season—featuring in all ten matches for Brentford—Kayode was overlooked by Italy’s head coach, Gennaro Gattuso, for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Israel.
This decision by the Italian management has created a clear opening for Nigeria, whose Super Eagles currently face a deepening crisis at the right-back position.
Key players, including Ola Aina, remain sidelined with long-term injuries, while other potential options are unavailable, prompting a pressing need for defensive reinforcement ahead of crucial World Cup playoff games and the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
For Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, the timing of the Italian snub is seen as opportune. Kayode, whose blend of pace, defensive discipline, and attacking drive has been a highlight of Brentford’s season, remains eligible for Nigeria at the senior level.
A formal approach from Chelle could reportedly prompt the youngster to file a nationality switch with FIFA, potentially seeing him don the green and white shirt sooner than anticipated.
Should Kayode accept, Nigeria would not only solve an immediate defensive problem but secure one of Europe’s most exciting young full-backs, with the AFCON offering a perfect window for his senior international debut.