‘Nigeria approached me’ – Brentford star reveals why he rejected Super Eagles

Brentford defender Michael Kayode has revealed that Nigeria approached him before he accepted his first senior Italy call-up, Soccernet.ng reports.

The former Fiorentina star, however, maintains that he never seriously considered switching national teams, despite the lure of the three-time African champions.

The 22-year-old was named in Roberto Mancini’s Italy squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures after progressing through every youth level with the Azzurri. Italy’s Football Federation confirmed his senior call-up on September 18, making Kayode one of several potential debutants in Mancini’s 34-man squad.

“I didn’t know about the Italy call-up before the game [against Chelsea]; I found out at the final whistle, on my phone,” Kayode told reporters on Tuesday. “It was an incredible emotion, especially after such a big win.”

‘Nigeria approached me’

Kayode, whose parents are Nigerian, explained that his decision was shaped by years spent representing Italy at youth level.

“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 said.

“I think Italy have always been a great national team, and playing here is an honour.”

Kayode helped Italy win the European Under-19 Championship, scoring the winning goal against Portugal in the final, and later represented the Under-21 side. His first senior opportunity therefore continues a long relationship with the Azzurri rather than marking a sudden change in allegiance.

His journey has included a difficult early spell after leaving Juventus for fourth-tier Gozzano at 16, before Fiorentina gave him a route back towards top-level football. Brentford initially signed him on loan from Fiorentina for €500,000 in January 2025 and later made the transfer permanent for €17.5 million.

Kayode has since made 63 appearances for Brentford, scoring twice and providing three assists. His latest step comes after Brentford’s 3-0 Premier League victory over Chelsea on September 18, with the defender discovering his Italy call-up immediately after the final whistle.

Italy’s current squad includes upcoming Nations League matches against Belgium, France and Turkey, giving Kayode the chance to make his senior debut after years of wearing the Azzurri shirt at youth level.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will, however, not lose sleep over Kayode’s decision to represent Italy at international level.

Chelle has reinforced Nigeria’s right-back position with experienced and young talents. Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel offer the Super Eagles immediate quality and stability while Ryan Alebiosu and Abdullahi Bewene among the the long-term options available to Chelle.