Michael Kayode joins list of Nigerian stars who chose other countries

Michael Kayode has joined a list of Nigerian stars who picked other countries to play for. These players are now some of the best in football. The Brentford right-back scored on his senior international debut as Italy beat Turkey 4-1 in the Nations League. He now joins Bukayo Saka, Jamal Musiala, and Michael Olise, as reported by PETER AKINBO.

Nigeria almost got Kayode to play for them. He was born in Italy to Yoruba parents. The Nigeria Football Federation set up a meeting with him after head coach Eric Chelle approved it. Kayode later said that Nigeria reached out to him, but he came up through the Italian youth academies.

He stayed in Italy all along. He played for Italy at Under-18, Under-19, and Under-21 levels. He told Tuttosport that he will always put Italy first.

The 22-year-old made his debut on September 28. He scored in the 27th minute in Bursa after sitting on the bench for the 2-0 loss to Belgium. Brentford bought him from Fiorentina for €17.5 million, and his contract lasts until 2030.