Super Eagles: Why Iwobi’s words can convince Adeyemi, Olise to return home after EURO 2024 snub

Karim Adeyemi and Michael Olise have been left out of Germany and France's Euro 2024 squad, and Nigerians believe they should return home.

Borussia Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi was in the news last week after German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann left him out of his Euro 2024 squad.

The 22-year-old striker has had an impressive season for Dortmund, playing a key role in their journey to the Champions League final.

He's not the only star to be overlooked at the Euros, with France coach Didier Deschamps also axing Crystal Palace winger Michael Olis in favor of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barkula.

Adeyemi and Olise have been ruled out of Euro 2024

Both players are eligible to play for Nigeria's Super Eagles, and still have a way to return if they decide to do so. One player who had the option of playing for England but chose his father's homeland instead is Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi.

Speaking in a recent interview, Iwobi explained why he chose Nigeria over England.

“I have no regrets. I would like to say I respected England, they gave me a lot of chances and I was able to make them proud,” he said in an interview with Hot Sports Nigeria.

“But I feel more at home with Nigeria. I feel like that's where I'm at home and where I, like my family, represent everyone. I grew up in a Nigerian culture, so I would say I don't regret choosing Nigeria over England.”

“I've been here a while and I'm familiar with the team. Even from the first time I came here, they always made me feel welcome.”

“I always have fun not only when we play matches but also in training. In camp, it feels like one big family, so it's easy for me to express myself and join it.

Iwobi's words have become even more relevant given the recent snubs from Olise and Adeyemi. The likelihood of Adeyemi becoming a regular starter for Germany is slim, due to the abundance of attacking talent at Nagelsmann's disposal.

Olise, a hugely talented winger, is falling far behind the French pecking order, and playing for a team like Crystal Palace would see his opportunities depleted even further.

While these players are free to make their own decisions, it would be wise to follow Iwobi's lead, to avoid spending the next four or five years on the sidelines, especially with the next World Cup looming just two years away.

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