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Michael Kayode scored on his Italy debut, joining Nigeria's biggest misses like Bukayo Saka and Jamal Musiala who chose other countries and became world stars.
Michael Kayode has joined Nigeria's biggest misses, the list of players of Nigerian descent who chose other countries and now rank among the best in world football. The Brentford right-back scored on his senior international debut as Italy beat Turkey 4-1 in the Nations League on September 28. He now sits alongside Bukayo Saka, Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise as talents Nigeria could not secure.
Kayode's Italian Journey
Nigeria came close to landing Kayode. He was born in Italy to Yoruba parents, and the Nigeria Football Federation arranged a meeting with him after head coach Eric Chelle gave the green light. Kayode later confirmed that Nigeria contacted him, but said he came through the Italian youth academies. He never left Italy in the first place.
He played for Italy at Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21 levels, and told Tuttosport that he would always give priority to Italy. The 22-year-old's debut came on September 28, when he scored in the 27th minute in Bursa after being left on the bench for the 2-0 loss to Belgium. Brentford signed him from Fiorentina for 17.5 million euros, and his contract runs until 2030.
Saka and Musiala Choose Other Paths
Nigeria's interest in Saka was public in 2020. The NFF president at the time, Amaju Pinnick, said he hoped Saka would play for the Super Eagles, while Saka admitted the choice was tough and said he was proud of his Nigerian heritage. He picked England after receiving his first senior call-up in October 2020. He was born in London to Yoruba parents.
Saka has since backed the Super Eagles on social media during the Africa Cup of Nations. He signed a new five-year contract with Arsenal in February 2026, and Arsenal were crowned champions in 2025/26. At the World Cup, he scored a hat-trick in England's 6-4 win over France in the bronze medal match, and England finished third, their best finish since 1966.
Nigeria did make a move for Musiala. Gernot Rohr tried to convince the teenager to play for the Super Eagles in 2020, but Musiala turned him down. He was born in Stuttgart to a British-Nigerian father and a German mother. He chose Germany over England and Nigeria, and has stayed with them since. The pull of his home country, where he was born, proved stronger than either heritage route.
Musiala's recent story has been shaped by injury. He broke his leg at the Club World Cup in July 2025 and returned in January 2026. He then made 24 appearances for Bayern in 2025/26, as they won the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal. He played four times at the World Cup, where Germany lost on penalties to Paraguay in the round of 32.
Olise, Alaba and Akanji Cases
Olise had options. He could have represented England, Nigeria or Algeria, but chose France. He was born in London to a Nigerian father and a Franco-Algerian mother, and his bond with France came through his mother's side. He made his France debut on September 6, 2024, after growing up in English academies. England lost him at the senior level, and Nigeria never had a serious claim on him.
His 2025/26 season was exceptional, with 22 goals and 31 assists for Bayern. At the World Cup, the 24-year-old provided seven assists, the most by any player at a single edition on record, although France finished fourth.
Alaba's case is different, because Nigeria never came for him. He said in 2013 that he wanted to play for Nigeria, but no formal approach came. He was born in Vienna to a Yoruba father from Ogere in Ogun State and a Filipino mother. He has built his whole international career with Austria. He captained the team at the 2026 World Cup, the country's first finals appearance in 28 years. They beat Jordan 3-1, lost 2-0 to Argentina, then lost 3-0 to Spain in the round of 32.
At club level, Alaba left Real Madrid after five seasons, 131 matches and 11 titles. Udinese announced his signing on September 24, on a contract until June 30, 2027.
Akanji says Nigeria never made the call. In 2018, he said Nigeria never called him to come and play for them, while Switzerland did. His father is Yoruba, and his mother is Swiss, and he has a Super Eagles tattoo on his arm. The choice was therefore never really a dilemma for him. Switzerland has been his only international home, and he has become one of their most reliable defenders. He left Manchester City for Inter Milan on loan, and he now plays for Inter. At the World Cup, Switzerland reached the quarter-finals, where they lost to Argentina. He is 31.
Eze and the Missed Opportunity
Eze came closer to Nigeria than most on this list. He attended a Nigerian youth team camp before committing his future to England. He was born in London to Igbo parents, and Nigerian fans still describe him as one who slipped away.
Arsenal signed him from Crystal Palace on August 23, 2025, in a deal worth up to 68 million pounds, and he had scored the winner in Palace's FA Cup final victory over Manchester City that May. He was part of the England side that finished third at the World Cup.
Michael Kayode Nigeria Football Bukayo Saka Jamal Musiala Michael Olise Italy National Team Brentford
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