Kayode, who is renowned for his long throw-ins, has been impressive since joining the Premier League from Serie A club Fiorentina.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is currently ramping up efforts to convince Italian youth international Michael Kayode to switch his allegiance to Nigeria.
According to ViolaNews, top officials from the Nigerian football governing body are arranging a face-to-face meeting with the Brentford full-back, following the go-ahead from Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle.
Kayode, who is renowned for his long throw-ins, has been impressive since joining the Premier League from Serie A club Fiorentina.
Having monitored his progress, Nigeria are eager to move before Italy locks the 21-year-old into their senior setup.
Latest updates suggest that NFF officials plan to hold talks with Kayode to outline a clear route into the Super Eagles squad.
The timing is significant, as Kayode is yet to earn a senior cap for Italy, despite featuring extensively for their youth teams.
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He has represented Italy at U18, U19, and U21 levels and has previously admitted that playing for the Azzurri is his “primary dream.”
However, Kayode was recently left out of Italy’s senior squad by coach Gennaro Gattuso for the March European World Cup play-offs. Born in Borgomanero, Italy, to Nigerian parents, Victoria and Anthony, the defender remains eligible to represent the three-time African champions.
