A Premier League star has reportedly rejected the opportunity to play for Algeria in favour of another powerhouse of African football.
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Ever since making his way to Selhurst Park at the beginning of last season, Michael Olise has proved an exciting talent in the Premier League, but while he continues to perform at a high level for Crystal Palace, his international future hangs in the balance.
While the 21-year-old is a France youth international, the winger is still eligible to represent three other nations at senior level, namely Algeria, Nigeria and England. This is possible because the attacker was born in London to a Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother.
According to Own Goal Nigeria, the Palace star's first preference is to continue with Les Bleus. However, should he fail to make their FIFA World Cup squad in 2026, he will not play for the north African giants, having previously rejected a call-up, but will instead choose the Super Eagles.
A source close to the forward confirmed with the aforementioned publication: "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 on it."
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This season, Patrick Vieira has given Olise bigger responsibility in London, with the player has started 13 of the 20 matches Palace have played in the Premier League in 2022/23.
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