The international future of Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Olise stole the space to an extent yet when reports came that he has decided to pledge his international future to Nigeria ahead of Algeria, France and England.
Olise is eligible for all four countries but has only played for France at youth level and most recently at U21. He didn’t honour a call up to the senior national team of Nigeria extended to him by former coach Gernot Rohr.
Around same time reports were flying round that he has commited to Nigeria, sources in Algeria were also claiming he has commited to them and will likely be in the squad for the international round of games in September.
OwnGoalNigeria.com spoke to a source at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and he denied knowledge of the midfielder’s decision to play for Nigeria. He however said it will be a welcome development if true.
‘No idea where that news came from but we will be delighted if it’s true. Last we had him that close was when Rohr was coach. They met and spoke hence his invitation which he didn’t honour but again he was on standby. Since then no contact with him”, he told OwnGoalNigeria.com.
” Our new coach Jose Peseiro will have to make the call if he wants him or not but it’s not about wanting him. It’s about it he wants to play for Nigeria. It’s his decision to make*.