The recent decision of Michael Kayode to represent Italy has brought attention to the trend of young footballers of Nigerian descent choosing to play for other countries. Kayode, a 22-year-old right-back for Brentford, scored on his senior international debut as Italy beat Turkey 4-1 in the Nations League. Born in Italy to Yoruba parents, Kayode had been approached by the Nigeria Football Federation but chose to prioritize Italy, having come through the Italian youth academies.
Kayode is not alone in his decision. Bukayo Saka, a star player for Arsenal, also chose to represent England over Nigeria, despite his Nigerian heritage. Saka was born in London to Yoruba parents and admitted that the choice was tough, but he ultimately decided to play for England. He has since achieved great success, scoring a hat-trick in England's 6-4 win over France in the World Cup bronze medal match.
Another player who chose to represent another country is Jamal Musiala, who plays for Bayern Munich. Musiala was born in Stuttgart to a British-Nigerian father and a German mother and chose to represent Germany over England and Nigeria. Despite an injury-plagued season, Musiala helped Bayern win the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal.
Michael Olise, a 24-year-old winger for Bayern Munich, is another player who chose to represent a country other than Nigeria. Born in London to a Nigerian father and a Franco-Algerian mother, Olise opted to play for France, citing his bond with the country through his mother's side. He had a exceptional season, providing seven assists in the World Cup, the most by any player at a single edition on record.
David Alaba, a defender for Udinese, is a player who expressed interest in playing for Nigeria but was never approached by the Nigeria Football Federation. Born in Vienna to a Yoruba father from Ogere in Ogun State and a Filipino mother, Alaba has built his international career with Austria, captaining the team at the 2026 World Cup.
Manuel Akanji, a defender for Inter Milan, is another player who chose to represent Switzerland over Nigeria. Akanji's father is Yoruba, and his mother is Swiss, and he has a Super Eagles tattoo on his arm. He says Nigeria never made a formal approach to him, and he has since become a reliable defender for Switzerland.
Eberechi Eze, a midfielder for Arsenal, came close to playing for Nigeria but ultimately chose to represent England. Born in London to Igbo parents, Eze attended a Nigerian youth team camp before committing his future to England. He has since achieved great success, scoring the winner in Crystal Palace's FA Cup final victory over Manchester City and helping England finish third at the World Cup.
Key points
- Several young footballers of Nigerian descent have chosen to represent other countries, achieving great success in the process.
- Players such as Michael Kayode, Bukayo Saka, and Jamal Musiala have all chosen to play for countries other than Nigeria, despite their Nigerian heritage.
- The trend raises questions about the Nigeria Football Federation's approach to identifying and recruiting young players of Nigerian descent.
