KSV Roeselare Midfielder Kayode Pledges International Future To Nigeria Over England, Italy

KSV Roeselare midfielder Olukayode Jacomo Maria Osu has pledged his international future to Nigeria though he is also eligible to represent England and Italy.

He was born in North Surrey, England eighteen years ago to a Nigerian father and Italian mother, making him eligible to represent the three nations.

Kayode's camp has made contact with the Nigeria Football Federation and there are plans to invite him to the Flying Eagles when the squad begins preparations for the U20 AFCON qualifiers.

Aged 18, he played for AFC Wimbledon's youth teams prior to his move to KSV Roeselare.

On his decision to represent Nigeria, rather than two European giants, Kayode said : "Obviously my dad is Nigerian and all of our family they've grown up in Nigeria so it'll be a great honour to represent the country that I obviously have close ties to and I'll make all of my family so, so proud.

"My dad is really excited for me to hopefully get the opportunity. I have enjoyed watching the Nigerian team over the last few years and I feel I can add quality to that youth team as well. It will definitely be a great experience."

Kayode was issued a Nigerian passport in Brussels last week ahead of a potential call-up to the Flying Eagles.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel