Super Eagles target battles with Mainoo, Cherki for Premier League Young Player prize

Super Eagles-eligible defender Michael Kayode has been rewarded for an outstanding campaign with Brentford after earning a nomination for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 21-year-old fullback, who remains on the radar of Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle, has emerged as one of the most consistent defenders in the English top flight during the 2025-26 season.

Kayode was included on an eight-man shortlist that recognises the best young talents in the Premier League after playing a major role in Brentford’s impressive campaign.

Apart from the league clash against Brighton & Hove Albion, which he missed because of injury, the former Fiorentina defender started every Premier League match for the Bees this season.

His influence at both ends of the pitch has been significant. Kayode scored in Brentford’s dramatic 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers and also produced an assist in another hard-fought draw against Everton.

The fullback has already logged 3,084 minutes in the league this term while helping Brentford register eight clean sheets. His explosive pace, physical strength and willingness to attack have given the London side a different edge on the right flank.

One of his biggest weapons has also become his trademark long throw-ins. Brentford have regularly used them as an attacking outlet, with Kayode’s deliveries contributing to five goals and helping create 40 shots across the campaign.

The Italian-born defender faces stiff competition for the award. Others nominated include Man City duo of Rayan Cherki and Nico O’Reilly, Man United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, as well as Lewis Hall, Alex Scott, Junior Kroupi and Matheus Fernandes.

Italy still leading Super Eagles in race for Kayode

Despite strong interest from the Nigeria Football Federation, Kayode appears to be leaning towards representing Italy at senior level at the moment.

Born in Italy to Nigerian parents, the defender qualifies to play for both countries and remains one of the most talented dual-nationality players in European football.

Back in March 2026, Kayode openly admitted that his immediate ambition was to break into Italy’s senior national team setup. That statement was seen as a setback for Nigeria’s hopes of convincing him to join the Super Eagles.

However, the door is not fully closed. Since he has not yet played a competitive senior game for Italy, he still remains eligible to switch allegiance to Nigeria in the future.

Kayode continues to feature prominently for Italy’s Under-21 side during the ongoing UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers. He recently played in qualification fixtures against North Macedonia and Sweden.

His biggest international moment so far came in July 2023 when he scored the winning goal against Portugal in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship final. That strike delivered the title for Italy and cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young defenders.

With his stock continuing to rise in the Premier League, both Brentford and Nigeria will be watching closely to see what the next chapter holds for one of the division’s fastest-rising stars.