Michael Olise, Bayern Munich winger, is set to make his debut for France in a UEFA Nations League match against Italy on September 6, at the iconic Parc des Princes, Paris. Born in London to a Franco-Algerian mother and a Nigerian father, Olise is eligible to play for Nigeria, England, and Algeria. However, his selection by France for this match could tie him to the country permanently.
Despite the Nigerian Football Federation’s attempts to bring Olise into the Super Eagles, they were unsuccessful. He was previously invited by Gernot Rohr for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, but Olise did not attend the matches or a meeting with the former Nigerian Federation president.
During a press conference at Clairefontaine, Olise explained his decision to choose France over Nigeria, England, or Algeria, citing his close connection to France through his mother. He also expressed admiration for French football icons Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry, who were his idols growing up.
Olise was a standout at the 2024 Olympic Games, contributing two goals and five assists over six matches to help France secure a silver medal.
Editorial
We believe Michael Olise’s choice to represent France highlights the complex factors young footballers must consider when choosing their national teams. In today’s globalised world, athletes often have multiple national identities, and it is not unusual for them to face difficult decisions regarding which country to represent on the international stage.
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In Olise’s case, his choice was likely influenced by both personal and professional reasons. France, as a football powerhouse, offers not only a competitive environment but also the opportunity for greater exposure on the global stage. While it may be disappointing for Nigerian fans, we must understand that players often make such choices based on their career goals and personal affinities.
National football federations, like Nigeria’s, must continue to make early efforts to engage young players, not just when they reach stardom but while they are still developing. Building strong relationships and showing genuine interest in their growth could make a difference in their decisions.
Ultimately, this is not a loss for Nigeria alone but a reflection of the increasingly fluid nature of international football. As players are courted by multiple nations, federations will need to adapt and find new strategies to retain their talents.
Did You Know?
- Michael Olise was named Crystal Palace’s Player of the Season in 2022.
- Zinedine Zidane, one of Olise’s idols, is a three time FIFA World Player of the Year winner.
- France has won the FIFA World Cup twice, in 1998 and 2018.
- Thierry Henry, another of Olise’s idols, is France’s all time leading scorer with 51 goals.
- Michael Olise is fluent in four languages English, French, Spanish, and Arabic.
