Crystal Palace star willing to snub Algeria for Nigeria

The young midfielder is eligible for four countries, but he could choose Nigeria over the other three

Nigeria-eligible Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Olise is only willing to play for Nigeria if he does not get a call-up from France according to reports.

Olise shot into the limelight after his transfer from Reading to Crystal Palace in June 2021. Since then he has settled in as a very brilliant player with great technical ability.

On the international stage, however, Olise’s future still hangs in the balance. The 21-year-old midfielder plays for the French youth sides. But his future is far from being settled.

The former Reading man is eligible to play for four countries- France, England, Nigeria, and Algeria.

Olise was born in England, his father is a Nigerian, while his mother has Algerian and French roots.

According to an OGN conducted with a source close to Olise, he wants to wait till the next World Cup to see if he can get a call-up from France. If he is not invited, OGN reports that he would rather play for Nigeria than any other country.

“Olise has a certain attachment to the Nigerian team and that is why he accepted a call-up two years ago,” the source told OGN.

“He didn’t honor it due to issues and also the sack of the coach, but he still has Nigeria in mind if he does not make it with the French team.

“His talks to turn down an invitation from Algeria has led to talks of them shaming him that he can’t into the Nigerian team.

“However, I tell you, if Nigeria come calling at the right time, he will jump on it.

Crystal Palace coach Patrick Viera has given Olise a more important role this season. He has made 20 Premier League appearances with two goals, one of which was a blinding free kick against Manchester United. He also has four assists in his kitty.

If he continues to develop at his current pace, it would only be a matter of time before he gets a senior call-up from France.