Nigeria midfielder Michael Olise holding out for France call-up

Nigeria midfielder Michael Olise holding out for France call-up

Michael Olise will play Nigeria only if he fails to receive a call up from the French national side.

The 21-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder is already a France under 21 international but is yet to earn a call up to the senior team.

Born in England, with French citizenship, Olise is also eligible to play for Algeria but he has already turned down a chance to turn out for the Fennec Foxes.

According to OGN, Olise will wait until the World Cup in 2026 for a call-up from France.

A source said: "Olise has a certain attachment to the Nigerian team and that is why he accepted a call-up two years ago.

"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."

Olise has made 20 Premier League appearances, scoring two goals and creating four.