Heartbreak for Finidi George and Super Eagles as Eagles midfielder, Chelsea star make France squad

France coach Thierry Henry will have Michael Olise and Ugochukwu on standby for the Olympics on home soil. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Heartbreak for Finidi George and Super Eagles as Eagles midfielder, Chelsea star make France squad

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 10:31 - 03.06.2024

Finidi George and the Super Eagles face an uphill battle to convince the duo to switch allegiance after the latest move from France.

In a major setback for the Nigerian national team, Super Eagles manager Finidi George has seen his hopes of securing the services of Michael Olise and Lesley Ugochukwu take a significant hit. 

Pulse Sports Nigeria can report that the duo have been named in Thierry Henry's France U21 squad set to compete at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

France name Super Eagles-eligible midfielders for Olympics

Both Olise and Ugochukwu are two players widely tipped to potentially switch their international allegiance to Nigeria, with the Super Eagles desperate to bolster their ranks ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

 However, France's decision to include the talented pair in their Olympic preparations, according to a report by GFFN, has all but ended Nigeria's pursuit.

Micheal Olise has played for France at under-18s and under-21.
Micheal Olise has played for France at under-18s and under-21. || Imago

As part of Les Bleus' Group A campaign, France will face off against the United States at Marseille's Stade Vélodrome on July 24th, before taking on Guinea in Nice on July 27th. They will then return to the Vélodrome to tackle New Zealand on July 30th.

The inclusion of Olise and Ugochukwu in the French Olympic squad is a major blow to Finidi George's hopes of convincing the players to don the famous green and white colours of Nigeria. 

Lesley Ugochukwu in action for Chelsea
Lesley Ugochukwu in action for Chelsea (Photo Credit: DestinyCrystal (Epiphany)/X)

The Super Eagles manager now faces an uphill battle to persuade the duo to turn their backs on their French heritage and commit their international futures to the three-time African champions.

With the Olympics being held in France, the lure of representing their home nation on the grandest stage of all will be a powerful draw for Olise and Ugochukwu.

Finidi George watches on in his first Super Eagles session as coach.
Finidi George watches on in his first Super Eagles session as coach.

 Finidi George and the Nigerian Football Federation will have to pull out all the stops if they are to have any chance of securing these highly-rated youngsters for the Super Eagles.

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