Soccer
Michael Kayode of Brentford. Copyright: ImagoxLeexDurkin
Brentford and Italy defender Michael Kayode, alongside other foreign talents who are eligible to represent the Super Eagles of Nigeria, have been warmed, Soccernet.ng reports.
Uzbekistan-born Nigerian, Osaze Odemwingie, was the one who issued the rallying cry, in what seems like the Super Eagles constantly being treated as an afterthought.
The 44-year-old represented Russia at the U-17 and U-18 level, but switched allegiance to represent the Green and Whites at the U-20 level. He’d go on to score 11 goals in 65 games for the Super Eagles.
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Soccer Osaze Odemwingie warns Nigeria-eligible talents against hesitation
Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo revealed last year that he’ll make a decision this summer, although he clarified he never rejected playing for Nigeria.
However, at 28, it feels like the Super Eagles were never the defender’s priority anyway. Osaze, addressing the trend by players in particular, revealed that the NFF can’t beg players to don the shirt of the national team.
Michael Kayode, meanwhile, is waiting on the Italian national team for a senior call-up, having only represented Gli Azzuri at the U-21 level, although he appreciates the love Nigerian fans have for him.
“These days it’s like they want the pampering. Me as you know, I don’t need no pampering if Naija pampers me it’s more than enough for me,” the former LOSC Lille forward said in an interview with Brila.
“We love everyone and there are some cases where the love wasn’t based on the decision for the love of a European country unless maybe you have a mixed heritage.
“Like me growing up there was a rule that once you wear the shirt of a national team you can’t wear another team clothes I love Russia but my connection is with Nigeria when it comes to football and sport.
“I won’t judge anybody. Imagine one day the whole football squad of England will be Nigerians it’s Nigerian genes that are showing themselves how Nigeria go win World Cup when our talents go out to serve other people,” the former West Bromwich Albion man continued.
The footballer-turned-golfer strongly believes that a time is coming when the majority of the players will want to play for Nigeria, rather than the European nations they have ties to.
“One day we will have the opposite effect when people will want to play for Nigeria and bring the World Cup trophy home because these players are good players they grew up in better football environment maybe tactically and technically sound.
“So far Nigeria relies on physicality and talent but you need to add that part where it is mechanical.
“Europeans regardless where they are from, right from childhood, they are mechanical they are like robots they are wired to do this job tactically sound and keeping it simple,” Odemwingie concluded.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has revealed he’ll be looking to infuse newer talents into the Nigerian team during the 2026 Unity Cup later this month, some of which may include foreign-born talents.
Adefolahan Guerreiro
Adefolahan is a multilingual sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.
With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.
His portfolio includes interviews with top Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.
A devoted Borussia Dortmund fan, Adefolahan thrives on the emotion and rhythm of the beautiful game. Away from work, he’s a sci-fi enthusiast and series lover who enjoys exploring how sport, storytelling, and culture collide.
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