Super Eagles: 5 right-backs Eric Chelle can use after Michael Kayode chooses Italy

Michael Kayode’s decision to continue his international career with Italy has closed one possible route for Nigeria, but Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle still has several options at right-back, Afrik-Foot reports.

Kayode, 21, has been rewarded for his rapid rise at Brentford with his first senior Italy call-up. Italy coach Roberto Mancini included him in a 34-man squad announced on 18 September, making him one of nine players receiving their first senior invitation.

The defender joined Brentford from Fiorentina in 2025 and made 37 appearances in his first Premier League season, scoring once and providing one assist.

Nigeria had previously tried to convince Kayode to switch allegiance. Nigeria Football Federation officials reportedly preparwd a direct meeting with the defender after Chelle approved the move earlier in the year.

With Kayode now in Italy’s senior setup, Chelle can instead turn to five players with very different profiles.

Super Eagles’ 5 right-back options

Ola Aina

Ola Aina is the most established option. The 29-year-old Nottingham Forest defender has played at Chelsea, Hull City, Torino and Fulham before becoming a regular at Forest. He can operate at right-back or left-back and has extensive Premier League and Serie A experience.

His experience also extends to the Super Eagles, with Forest describing him as a Nigeria international with almost 50 caps.

Bright Osayi-Samuel

Bright Osayi-Samuel offers a similar solution. The 28-year-old Birmingham City defender can play as a right-back or winger, giving Chelle the option of using his pace higher up the pitch when required.

The former Fenerbahçe star has claimed 34 appearances for the Super Eagles and made six starts in 10 international matches during 2026.

His club career includes spells with Blackpool, Queens Park Rangers and Fenerbahce before his move to Birmingham. His combination of speed, strength and experience in both defensive and attacking positions makes him one of the more experienced alternatives available to Chelle.

Ryan Alebiosu

Ryan Alebiosu provides a younger, more attack-minded option. The 24-year-old Blackburn Rovers right-back came through Arsenal’s academy and later played for Crewe Alexandra, Kilmarnock, Kortrijk and St Mirren before joining Blackburn in 2025.

His numbers in the Championship show why he can interest Chelle. Alebiosu made 39 Championship appearances last season, scoring once and providing five assists. He has also started all eight of Blackburn’s Championship matches in the 2026-27 campaign.

He is already being integrated into the Super Eagles and was part of the squad that claimed a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Abdullahi Bewene

Abdullahi Bewene is another developing option. The 21-year-old Banik Ostrava player made his senior Nigeria debut against Poland in Warsaw on 3 June 2026, starting at right-back in the 2-2 draw. He also played 31 minutes against Portugal a week later.

His club role has been more varied. Bewene played at right-back for Nigeria but he has featured for Banik Ostrava as a right midfielder, defensive midfielder and right winger this year alone.

That flexibility gives Chelle another player who can be moved around depending on the tactical plan.

Benjamin Fredrick

Benjamin Fredrick is the least conventional choice because he is primarily a centre-back. The 21-year-old is contracted to Brentford and has previously spent time on loan at Dender, while also gaining senior experience with Nigeria.

Brentford promoted Fredrick to its first-team squad this July and handed him a new four-year contract with an option for another year. He made his Super Eagles debut in the 2025 Unity Cup final against Jamaica and later started four World Cup qualifying matches during the autumn international window.

Fredrick’s defensive qualities could make him useful if Chelle wants greater protection on the right side. The youngster is quick, strong in one-on-one situations and dominant in the air.