Italian football legend Gianluigi Buffon has urged Italy’s national team to secure the international future of Michael Kayode, warning that Nigeria could move to recruit the talented defender for the Nigeria national football team.
Buffon made an appeal to Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso, recommending that Kayode be invited to the senior Italy national football team before Nigeria convinces him to switch allegiance.
Rising Premier League Star
Kayode, a right-back for Brentford F.C., has emerged as one of the standout young defenders in the Premier League this season.
The 21-year-old has made 28 league appearances during the 2025–26 campaign, playing a key role for a Brentford side pushing for European qualification.
His energetic attacking runs, defensive awareness, and trademark long throw-ins have drawn praise from analysts and former players, making him one of the most promising defenders of Italian descent currently playing in England.
Eligible for Both Italy and Nigeria
Kayode was born in Borgomanero, Italy, to Nigerian parents, making him eligible to represent both countries at the international level.
He has already represented Italy at youth levels, including the U-18, U-19, and U-21 teams, but has yet to receive a senior call-up.
This situation has created a potential international tug-of-war between Italy and Nigeria.
Buffon believes Italy should act quickly.
“Another one who’s doing well is Kayode,” Buffon said, stressing that the national team should reward players performing strongly regardless of age.
Nigeria Monitoring the Situation
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are also closely monitoring Kayode’s development as they look to strengthen their defensive options.
However, reports suggest that the defender currently dreams of representing Italy at senior level, though he remains proud of his Nigerian heritage.
The decision could become increasingly urgent as Italy prepares for key international fixtures, including qualification matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A Potential International Tug-of-War
For Italy, calling up Kayode soon could secure the future of a player widely viewed as a long-term solution at right-back. For Nigeria, the situation represents another opportunity to recruit a talented dual-national player competing at the highest level of European football.
If the defender receives his first senior call-up from Italy, FIFA regulations would likely tie him to the Azzurri, ending any chance of representing Nigeria internationally.
For now, the race between the two nations continues as Kayode’s rapid rise in the Premier League draws increasing international attention.
