'My mother is from France' - Bayern winger Olise explains why he chose Les Bleus over Nigeria, England, Algeria
Published: September 04, 2024
Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise is in line to play a cap-tying game for France on Friday, September 6 when they take on Italy in a UEFA Nations League clash at the iconic Parc des Princes in Paris.
Born in London to a Franco-Algerian mother and Nigerian father, the former Crystal Palace young sensation is also eligible to represent the Super Eagles, Three Lions and Desert Warriors but his status could change in two days time.
Olise has received his first call-up to France's senior national team and the forward will be part of manager Didier Deschamps' 23-man squad for the UEFA Nations League matches.
The quad-national player has never represented any other national team other than France, having played for them at U18, U21 and U23 levels.
Despite the Nigeria Football Federation's efforts to convince Olise to play for the Super Eagles, they were unsuccessful because he had already chosen to represent Les Bleus.
He was selected by Gernot Rohr, the then-coach of Nigeria, for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho, but he failed to appear for the games and skipped a planned meeting with former Nigerian Federation chief Amaju Pinnick in London prior to the 2022 World Cup.
At a press conference held at Clairefontaine on Tuesday, Olise was questioned about why he chose to represent France instead of Nigeria, England or Algeria.
In quotes relayed by RMC Sport, he answered: "My mother is from France. When I was little, I came here. I had this connection with France. I'm proud to be here."
Olise revealed that 1998 World Cup winners Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry were his idols growing up as a child and followed Les Bleus' performances closely.
"Zidane, Henry... There are a lot of quality players in this selection but I like these two players."
The 22-year-old Olise was arguably the standout performer at the 2024 Olympic Games, where he registered seven goal involvements (2 goals, 5 assists) in six matches to help France win a silver medal.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit: fff.fr
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- 'Went against our policy' - Atalanta co-president breaks silence on Gasperini and Lookman feud
- Fulham boss explains why Super Eagles duo Iwobi, Bassey started on the bench in win v Wolves
- Nigeria injury watch: Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong battling muscle injury before WCQs
- Eric Chelle receives good news on Galatasaray's Osimhen ahead of Nigeria squad announcement
- Australia's record appearance maker hails Tosin's impact in Chelsea's win over Southampton
- Nathan Tella partially involved in team training ahead of Eintracht Frankfurt v Bayer Leverkusen
- England make move to beat Nigeria and Spain to talented Manchester United goalkeeper
- Bameyi headlines Flying Eagles 21-man squad in Ivory Coast for friendlies against Young Elephants
- Intercontinental Derby scandal: Fenerbahce midfielder allegedly exposes himself to Osimhen
- 'He's fine' - Arteta provides fitness update on Nwaneri ahead of trip to Nottingham Forest


- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football