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Michael Kayode Explains Why He Chose Italy Over Nigeria

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Brentford defender Michael Kayode has revealed that choosing to represent Italy instead of Nigeria was an easy decision for him.

The 22-year-old, who was born in Borgomanero, Italy, to Nigerian parents, has received his first senior call-up to the Italian national team after representing the country at youth levels.

Speaking at a press conference, Kayode said Nigeria had approached him about representing the Super Eagles but he never seriously considered switching his international allegiance.

“It was a very easy decision. I went through all the youth teams here. Nigeria approached me, but I never thought about changing national teams,” he said.

The defender said representing Italy was an honour, having progressed through the country’s youth teams.

Kayode previously played for Italy’s Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21 teams. He was part of the Italy Under-19 side that won the European Championship in 2023, scoring the winning goal against Portugal in the final.

He also revealed that he only learnt about his senior call-up after Brentford’s Premier League victory over Chelsea, saying he discovered the news on his phone at the final whistle.

Kayode joined Brentford from Fiorentina, initially on loan in January 2025, before making the move permanent. He signed a new long-term contract with the English club in July 2026, keeping him at Brentford until 2032, with an option for another year.

His first senior Italy call-up marks the latest step in a career that has seen him progress from Italian youth football to the Premier League.

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PMYA @12 — THE STANDARD: Plateau State Governorship Candidates’ Manifesto & Leadership Dialogue Holds 10 January 2027 in Jos

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BEYOND POLITICS. BEYOND PROMISES. LET’S TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE OF PLATEAU.

For over a decade, the Plateau Man of the Year Awards has celebrated individuals and institutions whose leadership, service and achievements have made a meaningful difference.

But leadership is not only about recognition.

It is about vision.
It is about ideas.
It is about responsibility.
And it is about the future we are building.

As Plateau State approaches the 2027 elections, PMYA @12 — THE STANDARD will introduce a special feature:

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATES’ MANIFESTO & LEADERSHIP DIALOGUE

A non-partisan, issue-based platform where participating governorship candidates will have an equal opportunity to present their vision, policy priorities and leadership agenda for the future of Plateau State.

No endorsements.
No partisan preference.
No special treatment.

Equal platform. Equal opportunity. Equal time.

The conversation will focus on the issues that matter:

Governance.
Peace & Security.
Economic Development.
Youth Empowerment.
Education.
Healthcare.
Infrastructure.
Tourism.
Investment.
Sustainable Development.

Because before we choose leaders, we deserve to hear their ideas.

Before we debate personalities, we should examine their vision.

And before the votes are cast, Plateau deserves a meaningful conversation about its future.

This is not a campaign platform.

It is a platform for ideas, accountability and leadership.

The key commitments and policy priorities presented during the dialogue will be documented as part of the public conversation on Plateau State’s future.

PMYA @12 — THE STANDARD

Leadership Beyond Politics: Building a Legacy for Future Generations.

10 January 2027
Jos, Plateau State

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We are yet to receive court judgment on ADC leadership crisis – INEC

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The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it is yet to receive the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the Federal High Court judgment nullifying the leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, led by former Senate President David Mark.

The commission also dismissed reports that it had removed former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, from its online portal, describing the claims as unfounded.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed this to journalists in Abuja on Friday.

Haruna said the commission had neither reviewed the judgment nor determined what steps to take because it had not officially obtained the court document.

He explained that obtaining a Certified True Copy of a court judgment could take several days, adding that it usually takes about a week to secure such documents.

The clarification comes shortly after Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC and invalidated decisions taken by the disputed leadership, including the process through which the party produced its candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The judgment followed a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the party representing the North-East, who challenged the emergence of the Mark-led leadership.

The court ruled that the process through which the leadership assumed office failed to comply with relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, leading to the nullification of its actions.

However, the ADC has rejected the ruling and announced plans to challenge it at the appellate court.

The party also said it had filed an application seeking a stay of execution pending the determination of its appeal.

It urged INEC not to take any steps based on the judgment that could affect its political activities or prejudice the ongoing legal process.

The ADC further disclosed that it had formally informed the electoral commission of its appeal and the application for a stay of execution.

We are yet to receive court judgment on ADC leadership crisis – INEC

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