Why Kayode prefers to play for Italy over Nigeria – Babayaro

Sport Why Kayode prefers to play for Italy over Nigeria – Babayaro Published on April 12, 2026 By Don Silas googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1500386953281-8'); }); Former Nigerian goalkeeper, Emmanuel Babayaro, has explained why Brentford defender Michael Kayode is prioritising playing for Italy over Nigeria. Kayaode had recently expressed his desire to represent the senior national football team of Italy while also acknowledging his home nation, Nigeria. Speaking about the Nigeria Football Federation’s efforts to convince Kayode, Babayaro suggested that the young defender is drawn to Italy because of the country’s richer footballing heritage and greater global appeal. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1524595905268-5'); }); “We need to pay more attention to production. A lot of these players, their first instinct is that they would rather be with their adopted countries, the places where they think the football is bigger,” Babayaro said on the ATHLST podcast. “So more often than not, them coming back to say they are going to play for Nigeria is as a result of missing out on selection in their adopted countries. That means us taking the leftovers.” Don't Miss NPFL: Enyimba beat Katsina Utd 3-0, climb to 12th position You may like Super Eagles: Nigeria ramp up efforts for Brentford’s Kayode after Chelle’s approval World Cup 2026: ‘Total disaster’ – Oliseh on Italy’s failure to qualify 2026 World Cup: ‘My blood is finished’ – Gattuso reacts as Italy fails to qualify for tournament World Cup 2026: DR Congo, others qualify as Italy, Poland miss out War: Italy blocks US military plane from landing in country World Cup playoffs: Italy leads, DR Congo among top 10 most valuable teams

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/12/why-kayode-prefers-to-play-for-italy-over-nigeria-babayaro/