Brentford defender Michael Kayode is now ineligible to represent Nigeria at international level after making a cap-tying appearance for Italy on Monday, September 28, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.
Born in Borgomanero, Italy, the long-throw specialist was previously eligible to represent the Super Eagles through his Nigerian parents.
Despite efforts by the Nigeria Football Federation to convince him to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria, Kayode prioritised representing his country of birth over the African powerhouse.
Wearing the number 2 jersey, Kayode was named in the starting lineup as Roberto Mancini's side thrashed Türkiye 4-1 in a UEFA Nations League encounter at the Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matlı Stadium.
Twenty-seven minutes into the contest, the right-back became the first Italian defender to score on his international debut since Gian Marco Ferrari in May 2021.
Prior to making his competitive debut for the four-time world champions, Kayode earned caps for Italy at U18, U19 and U21 level.
Under Fifa's eligibility rules, Kayode cannot request a change of sporting nationality because he was already 22 at the time of his competitive senior debut, permanently closing the door on a switch from Italy to Nigeria.
Another Premier League defender, Honest Ahanor, was not called up for the game against Türkiye, meaning he remains eligible to represent Nigeria, provided the two-cap international does not receive playing time in Italy's upcoming fixtures against France and Türkiye.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit: figc.it
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