Karim Adeyemi and Michael Olise were left out of the Germany and France squads for EURO 2024, and Nigerians believe they should return home.
Borussia Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi was in the news last week after being snubbed by German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann for his Euro 2024 squad.
The 22-year-old forward has had a brilliant season for Dortmund, playing a key role on their journey to the UEFA Champions League final.
He is not the only star to be overlooked for the Euros, as France boss Didier Deschamps also snubbed red-hot Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise in favor of PSG winger Bradley Barcola.
18:35 - 16.05.2024
Euro 2024: Is Karim Adeyemi still eligible for Super Eagles after Germany snub
Is Karim Adeyemi eligible for Nigeria’s Super Eagles despite representing Germany four times?
Adeyemi and Olise were left out of Euro 2024
Both players are eligible to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, and still have a way back should they decide to do so. One player who had the option of playing for England but chose his father's land instead is Fulham midfielder Alex Iowbi.
Speaking in a recent interview, Iwobi explained why he chose Nigeria over England.
“I don't have any regrets. I’d like to say I respected England, they gave me a lot of opportunities and I was able to do them proud,” he said in an interview with Hotsports Nigeria.
“But I feel more at home with Nigeria. I feel this is where I’m at home and where I represent, like my family, everyone. I’ve grown up in a Nigerian culture so I’d say that I have no regrets about picking Nigeria over England.
“I’ve been here for a while now and I’m familiar with the team. Even from the first time I came here they always made me feel welcome."
“I’m always enjoying myself not just when we are playing matches but in training. In the camp, it’s like one big family so it makes it easier for me to express myself and join in.
Iwobi's words become even more important given the recent snubbing of Olise and Adeyemi. The likelihood of Adeyemi becoming a regular for Germany are slim, owing to the plethora of attacking talent at Nagelsmann's disposal.
Olise, a supremely talented winger, is well behind the pecking order in France, and playing for a team like Crystal Palace will see his chances depleted even further.
While these players are free to make their decisions, it will be wise to follow in the footsteps of Iwobi, to avoid spending the next 4-5 years on the fringes, especially with the next World Cup just two years away.
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