Michael Olise reported to be ready to consider Nigeria if he does not get French call-up

CRYSTAL Palace playmaker Michael Olise has said he might consider playing for Nigeria's national team the Super Eagles at senior level if he does not get a call-up from France who he has represented as a junior.

Olise, 21, was born in England to a Nigerian father and a mother who has Algerian and French roots, making him eligible to play for all four nations. At junior level, he has already represented France but is yet to make a decision about his senior international career, given that he is on the radar of all four countries.

In June 2021, Olise shot into the limelight after completing a move from Championship side Reading to English Premier League giants Crystal Palace. Since then he has settled into the Premier League as a very brilliant player with great technical ability.

One source close to the player said that he wants to wait till the next World Cup to see if he will get a call-up from France, his first choice. According to the source, if he is not invited, Olise 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. He didn’t honour it due to issues and also the sacking 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 get into the Nigerian team. However, I tell you, if Nigeria come calling at the right time, he will jump at it," the source added.

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 and he also has four assists to his name.