Soccer
Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle is unlikely to lose sleep over Michael Kayode’s decision to commit his international future to Italy, Soccernet.ng reports.
This is because Nigeria already possess experience, balance and emerging talent at right-back.
Kayode recently ended speculation about a possible switch to Nigeria by making it clear that Italy remains his priority. Born in Borgomanero to Nigerian parents, the defender came through the Italian football system, spent years in the Juventus academy and represented the Azzurri at several youth levels.
He also scored the winning goal when Italy defeated Portugal to win the 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship.
Speaking to Italian newspaper Tuttosport, Kayode said: “I will always give priority to Italy; even at youth level, I grew up wearing the Azzurri shirt. I have no doubt about which path to choose.”
Nigeria had monitored the defender closely after his impressive rise at Brentford, where his pace, attacking runs and dangerous long throws made him one of the Premier League’s standout young full-backs during the 2025-26 season.
The Nigeria Football Federation hoped he could become part of the country’s next defensive generation, especially after rumours surfaced online when Kayode briefly followed the Super Eagles’ official Instagram page.
However, the reality was always difficult for Nigeria. Kayode had already built deep connections within Italy’s football structure and remained firmly inside the country’s long-term national team plans. Reports in Italy suggest interim coach Silvio Baldini could include the 21-year-old Brentford ace in upcoming friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece.
Soccer Aina, Osayi-Samuel and Super Eagles’ new generation
Even without Kayode’s quality, Nigeria are still well protected on the right side of defence because of the strong presence of Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Aina, now 29, remains one of the Super Eagles’ most dependable players after another strong Premier League campaign with Nottingham Forest. Comfortable on both flanks, calm in possession and tactically intelligent, he continues to provide leadership and flexibility for Chelle’s side.
Osayi-Samuel, 28, offers something different. The Birmingham City defender relies heavily on speed, recovery runs and physical intensity. His background as a winger allows him to deal effectively with dangerous wide attackers, and he played a huge role for Nigeria during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Their combined experience means Nigeria do not urgently need another starting right-back ahead of future AFCON and World Cup qualifying campaigns.
Beyond the senior duo, Nigeria’s talent pipeline is also growing rapidly. Slavia Prague defender Samuel Isife has emerged as one of the country’s most exciting young prospects. The 21-year-old rose from grassroots football in Lagos and the 36 Lion Academy before helping Slavia Prague win the 2026 Czech First League title this week.
His strength, discipline and ability to play as an attacking wing-back have already attracted attention around Europe. Playing alongside Super Eagles defender Igoh Ogbu in Prague is also helping his development.
Ryan Alebiosu is another player pushing for recognition after solid performances with Blackburn Rovers in the Championship. The Arsenal-trained full-back is already being integrated into the Nigerian setup and was a part of the squad to the 2025 AFCON. Versatile defender Benjamin Fredrick has also shown he can operate at right-back when required and despite being 21, he has already earned the trust of coach Chelle.
Several other young right-backs including Bohemians Prague 1905’s Peter Kareem (age: 22), Umraniyespor’s Toheeb Adeola Kosoko (21), and Lommel SK’s Dominion Ohaka (19) are one good season away from making their breakthroughs.
Losing Kayode is indeed disappointing for Nigeria because of his long-term potential and Premier League pedigree. Yet with Aina and Osayi-Samuel still performing at a high level, and younger options such as Isife and Alebiosu beginning to emerge, the Super Eagles are far from short of solutions on the right side of defence.
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