Italy snub hands Nigeria advantage in race for Premier League star

Italy’s latest squad announcement has given Nigeria a clear opening in their pursuit of Brentford’s emerging right-back Michael Kayode, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 21-year-old, who has represented Italy across several youth levels, was once viewed as one of the brightest defensive talents in the Azzurri’s next generation.

Yet, his omission from Gennaro Gattuso’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Israel has left the door wide open for Nigeria.

Born in Borgomanero to Nigerian parents, Kayode remains eligible to represent either country at senior level. His rise through the Italian youth ranks has been impressive, from scoring the winning goal in the final of the 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship against Portugal to debuting for the Under-21 side later that year. In 2024, he was even named Italy’s Best Player Under 21.

Despite that pedigree, Gattuso’s latest call-ups, which included five Inter Milan players and newcomers such as Nicolò Cambiaghi, made no room for Kayode. Even with injuries forcing late replacements for Mattia Zaccagni and Matteo Politano, the Brentford full-back was overlooked.

That decision could have lasting consequences. While Italy seem uncertain about his role in their long-term plans, Nigeria are ready to make a decisive move.

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Nigeria: Super Eagles eye Kayode as right-back crisis deepens

For Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, the timing of Italy’s snub could not be better. Nigeria’s right-back options are stretched thin ahead of crucial World Cup playoff games against Gabon, and potentially Cameroon or DR Congo afterwards.

Ola Aina remains sidelined with a long-term injury and could miss December’s Africa Cup of Nations, while Bright Osayi-Samuel is still readapting to English football following his move to Birmingham City from Fenerbahçe. Felix Agu of Werder Bremen, another potential right-back option, is also unavailable through injury.

Kayode, meanwhile, has enjoyed a strong start to life in England. After joining Brentford on loan in January 2025 and earning a permanent deal by May, he has featured in all ten Premier League matches this season, impressing in the Bees’ memorable 3–2 victory over Liverpool in October. His blend of pace, defensive discipline, and attacking drive has drawn attention from both fans and pundits alike.

Now settled in the Premier League and with Italy seemingly hesitant, Nigeria could be the biggest beneficiaries. A formal approach from Chelle could prompt the youngster to file a nationality switch with FIFA, a move that might see him don the green and white sooner than expected.

While the World Cup playoff against Gabon may come too early, the upcoming AFCON offers a perfect window for Kayode to make his senior international debut. Should he accept Nigeria’s invitation, the Super Eagles would not only solve a pressing defensive problem but also gain one of Europe’s most exciting young full-backs.