FRANCE U-23s head coach Thierry Henry has included two players with Nigerian heritage in his squad for the Paris 2024 Olympics men’s football event.
The former Arsenal and Barcelona striker named his 25-man squad for the Games today, with Michael Olise and Lesley Ugochukwu included.
Crystal Palace wide forward Olise was born in England to a Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother, making him eligible for all four countries.
The 22-year-old has however chosen France and has played for them at U-18 and U-20 levels.
Olise had a very impressive 2023/2024 campaign with Crystal Palace, registering 10 goals and six assists in 19 English Premier League appearances after suffering two long-term hamstring injuries.
On his part, Chelsea midfielder Ugochukwu was born in France to Nigerian parents and is related to former Flying Eagles and Super Eagles defender Onyekachi Apam.
The 20-year-old has featured for France U-18s, U-19s and U-21s, and joined Chelsea from French club Rennes last year.
Ugochukwu, who cost Chelsea €27m last August, missed a chunk of last season with a hamstring injury and made only 15 appearances in all competitions.
He recovered towards the end of the campaign and made substitute appearances in Chelsea’s last two Premier League fixtures against Brighton and Bournemouth.
Henry’s strong squad also includes Paris Saint-Germain pair, midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery and forward Bradley Barcola, as well as Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel and Crystal Palace hitman Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Former Arsenal striker Alexander Lacazette is one of the permitted players over the age of 23.
