Coach Eric Chelle the Super Eagles of Nigeria Photo by ImagoxNsidibe Akpan
Nigeria’s Super Eagles is at risk of losing two budding young talents after Italy handed call-ups to Brentford star Michael Kayode and Atalanta’s Honest Ahanor, Soccernet.ng reports.
Over the past year, Ahanor and Kayode have attracted significant interest from the Nigerian football community due to their impressive club performances.
Kayode has been brilliant for Brentford this season, establishing himself as a key member of the squad.
He has become renowned for his trademark long throw-ins, explosive speed, and his ability to put in a solid shift in both attack and defense from the right-back position.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old Honest Ahanor has proven to be a real bargain since completing a €17 million transfer from Genoa to Atalanta last summer. The teenager is technically gifted, physically imposing, and remarkably quick for his age.
Both players hold dual nationality, having been born in Italy to Nigerian parents. But the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has made moves to lure them to the Super Eagles, Italy currently appears to have the upper hand.
The Italians have now played their cards, and the result could be bad for Nigeria’s long-term recruitment plans.
Super Eagles at a Disadvantage for Ahanor and Kayode
As the tug-of-war for Honest Ahanor and Michael Kayode intensifies, Italy has gained a significant advantage.
Ahead of the current international break, the Italian FA announced Under-21 call-ups for both defenders. While Ahanor was initially named in coach Silvio Baldini’s squad, Kayode got his invitation on Tuesday.
Michael Kayode has joined the Italy U21’s as coach Silvio Baldini has decided to add him (no injuries) ✅
So this confirms he was left out (at first) because he was simply not selected, which is bizarre. pic.twitter.com/YxK5s7aZew
— Italy Focus (@Italy_Focus) March 24, 2026
Under current FIFA rules, representing a nation at the U-21 level does not cap-tie a player. As such, both stars remain eligible to switch allegiances to the Super Eagles in the future.
However, accepting these invitations shows a clear intent and a growing commitment to the Italian setup. It suggests that, for now, both players have prioritized the European giants over Nigeria.
This means that when the senior Italy call-up eventually arrives, these players are likely to jump at the opportunity.
Even though a switch remains possible until they make a competitive senior appearance for Italy their acceptance of these under-21 call-ups indicates where their loyalties lie.
For the Super Eagles, the only realistic path to securing them now might be if their careers stall, which would then make Italy snub them. If that happens, representing Nigeria would definitely becomes more appealing.
Kelvin Omachonu
Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
Away from work, Kelvin is an avid fan of basketball, enjoys a great movie, and is always discovering new music.
