MICHAEL KAYODE SAYS NIGERIA APPROACHED HIM BEFORE ITALY CALL-UP

Brentford defender Michael Kayode has said Nigeria approached him before he accepted his first senior call-up to the Italy national team. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Kayode, whose parents are Nigerian, said he never seriously considered switching despite interest from Nigeria, three-time African champions. He was named in Italy's senior squad on 18 September after progressing through the country's youth teams. Kayode said he learned of the call-up on his phone at the final whistle of Brentford's Premier League win over Chelsea. "It was an incredible emotion, especially after such a big win," he said.

Kayode called his decision to remain with Italy "very easy", citing his history with the country's youth teams. He helped Italy win the European Under-19 Championship, scoring the winning goal against Portugal in the final, and later played for the Under-21 side. He left Juventus to join fourth-tier club Gozzano before moving to Fiorentina. Brentford signed him on loan from Fiorentina for €500,000 in January 2025, then made the transfer permanent for €17.5 million. He has made 63 appearances for Brentford, scoring twice and providing three assists.

Kayode's decision is not expected to leave Nigeria short of options at right-back. Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has other defenders available for the role, including Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Kayode said Nigeria's approach did not change his commitment to Italy, where he progressed through every youth age group before this call-up. He added that he regards playing for Italy as "an honour" and praised the national team's history.