Kayode’s decision to shun Super Eagles in chaos after recent Italy snub

Brentford defender Michael Kayode, who turned down the offer to play for Nigeria’s senior team in favor of Italy, has not received the recognition he expected.

Kayode, who was born in Italy to a Nigerian immigrant father, had a great season in the English Premier League, where he can arguably be on the list of the best right backs in the league.

Despite this, he has yet to find favor with the selectors of the senior Italy team. It was said that new coach Silvio Baldini, who replaced Gennaro Gattuso, will probably give a place to the defender.

Baldini knew Kayode very well from his Italy under-21 team before his recent promotion as interim coach of the main team. Despite this, he has not looked like the former Fiorentina defender.

What is even more disconcerting is the fact that the coach has made three adjustments to his team before and in their recent friendly matches against Luxembourg and Greece respectively.

Baldini was forced to look for substitutes, including in the full-back positions, but he did not look towards the 21-year-old. A sign of how low it is in the settings.

This makes his decision not to consider an opportunity with Nigeria at international level strange. He clearly has no chance at the moment, unlike in Nigeria where he will make the team.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

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