19 year old Michael Olise was among the new names in the Super Eagles squad for AFCON 2022 qualifiers when it was released yesterday by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The Reading midfielder was among the seven players placed on standby by coach of the team Gernot Rohr as he is yet to be issued a Nigerian passport after agreeing to switch allegiance from France.
Born to parents of Nigerian descent he has represented France twice at U18 level but has now committed himself to Nigeria at senior level and in the process also spurn the chance to represent England in the future.
His decision to shun both European countries hasn’t gone down well with the football authorities in France as he is one player they wouldn’t have love to lose at this age and stage of his career.
He is having one of his best seasons till date and rumors has it that he could be in line for a move to the English Premier League with a host of clubs keen on triggering his £8 million release clause.
“ They see it as a coup here by Nigeria particularly the U18 coach who has built his team around him. This happen to them all the time but when you look at it that he is just 19 then you will understand the outrage better. They are not happy with his decision but the lad has made his mind up”, Mark Rowland told Owngoalnigeria.com.
