Brentford defender Michael Kayode has confirmed that the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, approached him over a possible switch of international allegiance.
The 22-year-old, who was born in Italy to Nigerian parents, is eligible to represent both countries at senior international level.
Kayode has represented Italy extensively at youth level and recently received his first senior call-up to the Italian national team.
Speaking after his call-up, the right-back said Nigeria had approached him but that he never considered changing his international allegiance because of his long association with Italy’s 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,” Kayode said, according to Football Italia.
Kayode played a key role in Italy’s triumph at the 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, scoring the winning goal in the final against Portugal.
His first senior Italy call-up now puts him in line to make his debut for the Azzurri during the current international window.
The Brentford defender has made 63 appearances for the Premier League club since joining from Fiorentina, establishing himself as an option at right-back.
