Nigeria-eligible Michael Olise turns down Algeria

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have received a boost in the case of Michael Olise who turned down a chance to represent Algeria.

The 21-year-old’s international future is still up in the air as he is eligible to represent four countries at senior level.

Olise has been in fine form for Crystal Palace since joining the club in the summer of 2021 which has led to more inquisition about his international future.

Algerian journalist Said Fellak reports that Olise turned down an approach from the Algerian Football Federation to represent the country internationally.

The tweet that broke the news read: “Michael Olise was contacted by the Algerian Federation to switch international allegiances from France to Algeria, but, he declined.”

Olise was born in England to a Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother which makes him eligible for all four countries.

The winger has played for France at youth level, representing the under-18 and under-21 teams so far.

The player is expected to play for the senior French national team if Les Blues presents him the opportunity.

His recent rejection of Algeria rules out the Fennecs as a potential destination for Olise and strengthens the chances of the remaining three countries landing him.

That includes the Super Eagles of Nigeria who had also made the bold call to invite Olise to the national team in the past but the youngster didn’t honour that invitation.

Olise has so far scored twice and registered four assists in 20 Premier League games this season and is highly regarded as one of the best youngsters in the league.