Michael Kayode Receives First Italy Senior Call-Up Amid Nigeria Eligibility Debate
Talented defender Michael Kayode, known for his strong performances with Brentford, is on the verge of committing his international future to Italy following a senior team call-up for the upcoming UEFA Nations League. This move would make him ineligible for Nigeria, despite his dual heritage. However, the Super Eagles boast significant depth at right-back, with players like Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel providing robust cover.
Brentford defender Michael Kayode has received his first senior call-up to the Italy national team, putting his international future under renewed scrutiny in Nigeria. The 22-year-old, who is eligible to represent Nigeria through his Nigerian heritage, has been included in Roberto Mancini’s 34-man Italy squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Kayode previously represented Italy at youth level and has now been named among nine players receiving their first senior call-up under Mancini. Kayode has established himself at Brentford after joining the Premier League club from Fiorentina in 2025, while continuing to represent Italy at youth level.
His senior Italy call-up comes as the Azzurri prepare to face Belgium on September 25, Türkiye on September 28, France on October 2, and Türkiye again on October 5 in the Nations League. While the selection represents a significant step toward an Italy career, a first senior call-up alone does not automatically make a player permanently ineligible for another national team, as FIFA's eligibility rules distinguish between different types of international appearances and circumstances.
For Nigeria, Kayode’s inclusion nevertheless represents a setback to longstanding interest in securing his services for the Super Eagles, particularly given his experience in Italian youth football and his development in the Premier League.
Nigeria already has several options at right-back, including Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Benjamin Fredrick, providing coach Eric Chelle with alternatives should Kayode ultimately continue with Italy.
For now, however, Kayode’s international future remains a matter of eligibility and choice, with his first senior Italy call-up marking an important new stage rather than an automatic final decision.