One time Super Eagles invitee has opened up on the reason why he rejected the option of playing for Nigeria in favour of waiting for his opportunity with France, where he is now a senior international after making the step up from the U23.
Four years ago while still at English Championship side Reading, a young Michael Olise then 19 was called up to the Super Eagles squad for the AFCON qualifiers games against Benin Republic and Lesotho respectively by former coach Gernot Rohr.
Rohr placed him on standby explaining that he has to sort out his documents before he is eligible to play for Nigeria. It later emerged that there was a mix up in communication as Olise hadn’t made a decision on his senior international career.
He moved to Crystal Palace the next season and immediately declared for France, spurning the chance to play for Nigeria where his father hails from or Algeria. A country he qualifies for through his mother.
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The Bayern Munich star in a recent interview revealed the reason behind his decision to snub the African nations despite the fact that his first senior national team invitation came from Nigeria.
“I have strong connections with Nigeria, Algeria, France, and England. It’s not something I think about every day-it just feels natural to me”, he explained.
“I carry a piece of each country within me. It has broadened my perspective because these cultures are so distinct. At home, I experienced three cultures thanks to my parents, and outside, I was influenced by England, where I grew up. I never had to force this mix-it was just part of who I am,” he concluded.
Ade Emmanuel
