Michael Kayode has become the latest player of Nigerian descent to represent another country at senior international level, joining the likes of Bukayo Saka and Jamal Musiala.
The Brentford defender scored on his Italy debut as the Azzurri defeated Turkey 4-1 in the Nations League, despite previously attracting interest from Nigeria.
Michael Kayode (Italy)
Born in Italy to Yoruba parents, Kayode was approached by the Nigeria Football Federation after coach Éric Chelle approved efforts to explore his international future.
The defender confirmed Nigeria had contacted him but remained committed to Italy, having progressed through the country’s youth teams from Under-18 to Under-21 level.
The 22-year-old made his senior debut on September 28, scoring in the 27th minute in Bursa after sitting out Italy’s 2-0 defeat to Belgium.
Brentford signed Kayode from Fiorentina for €17.5 million, with his current contract running until 2030.
Bukayo Saka (England)
Nigeria openly pursued Saka in 2020, with then NFF president Amaju Pinnick expressing hope that the Arsenal winger would choose the Super Eagles.
Born in London to Yoruba parents, Saka acknowledged the difficulty of choosing between England and Nigeria before accepting his first senior England call-up in October 2020.
He has since continued to show support for Nigeria on social media during major tournaments.
Saka signed a new five-year Arsenal contract in February 2026, while the club won the 2025/26 Premier League title. He also scored a hat-trick as England defeated France 6-4 in the World Cup bronze-medal match, helping the Three Lions finish third.
Jamal Musiala (Germany)
Nigeria also attempted to recruit Musiala in 2020, when former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr approached the then teenager.
Born in Stuttgart to a British-Nigerian father and German mother, Musiala ultimately opted for Germany after also being eligible to represent England and Nigeria.
His recent progress was interrupted by a serious injury after he broke his leg at the Club World Cup in July 2025. He returned in January 2026 and made 24 appearances for Bayern Munich during the 2025/26 campaign as the club won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal.
Musiala also featured four times at the World Cup before Germany were eliminated by Paraguay on penalties in the round of 32.
