Algeria
Door still open for Olise to play for Nigeria, but star wants France
Michael Olise’s international future remains uncertain, despite strong indications of his preference for France.
The 22-year-old Crystal Palace winger, who has represented France at youth levels, is currently called up for the French Olympic squad for the Paris 2024 Games.
However, he is also eligible to play for England, Nigeria and Algeria, according to GFFN.
Olise was born on December 12, 2001, in Hammersmith, London, England. His father, Vincent Olise, is Nigerian, while his mother has French-Algerian roots.
He is the first of two sons born to Olise (sr) and his wife.
Despite this, France’s Olympic squad manager, Thierry Henry, has suggested that Olise’s decision is leaning heavily towards France.
“We know that he has plenty of possibilities, but he wants to play for France,” Henry stated in a recent press conference.
“You have to highlight his desire to show that he wants to play for L’Équipe de France. If he was English, he would have already left to play for England.”
Recall England manager Gareth Southgate has expressed interest in Olise but has not selected him for the current Euros squad.
Similarly, Didier Deschamps did not include him in the French squad for the tournament, leaving Olise free to choose between all four nations.
Despite the open options, Henry believes it is a two-horse race between France and England.
