On Monday, Kayode became the first Italian defender to score on his senior international debut since Gian Marco Ferrari accomplished the feat in May 2021.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Brentford defender Michael Kayode has ended his prospect of representing Nigeria at international level following his latest appearance for Italy.
The defender, who was born in Borgomanero, Italy, made a cap-tying appearance for the Azzurri in their UEFA Nations League victory over Türkiye on Monday.
Kayode was previously eligible to represent the Super Eagles through his Nigerian parentage. However, despite efforts by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to persuade him to pledge his international future to the African powerhouse, he has ultimately opted to represent his country of birth.
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Wearing the number 2 shirt, the Brentford right-back was included in the starting XI as Roberto Mancini’s side decisively defeated Türkiye 4-1 at the Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matlı Stadium.
In the 27th minute of the match, Kayode became the first Italian defender to score on his senior international debut since Gian Marco Ferrari accomplished the feat in May 2021.
Before making his competitive debut for the four-time world champions, the 22-year-old represented Italy at under-18, under-19, and under-21 levels.
In pursuance of FIFA’s eligibility regulations, having donned the Italy shirt at senior level at the age of 22, Kayode is now prohibited from requesting a change of sporting nationality.
