Man Utd’s Oyedele earns first Poland call-up; Super Eagles eligible

Posted : 01 October 2024

Maxi Oyedele, a product of the Manchester United Academy, has received his first senior call-up to the Polish national team ahead of their upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Portugal and Croatia. This marks a significant milestone for Oyedele as he transitions to international football, showcasing his talent on a larger stage.

This summer, Oyedele ended his 12-year association with Manchester United to join Legia Warsaw, one of Poland's premier football clubs. This move not only reflects his growth as a player but also provides him with a platform to further develop his skills in a competitive league. His decision to represent Poland stems from his diverse heritage, having a Polish mother and a Nigerian father, which also makes him eligible to play for the Three Lions and the Super Eagles.

From an early stage in his career, Poland was keen on securing Oyedele’s services. He had already represented the country at various youth levels, including U18, U19, U20, and U21. His commitment to Poland was solidified when he played in a European U19 Championship qualifier against Bosnia-Herzegovina in September 2022, which made him provisionally cap-tied to the Polish national team.

Poland’s upcoming fixtures include a match against Portugal, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, on October 12 at the National Stadium in Warsaw, followed by another Nations League encounter against Croatia just three days later. These games will be crucial for Oyedele as he looks to establish himself in the senior squad.

According to FIFA’s eligibility rules, Oyedele will still have the opportunity to represent the Super Eagles and the Three Lions after the October internationals if he participates in either or both matches. Players under the age of 21 with dual nationality can only become cap-tied to a national team if they play in four matches for their first country, with one of those being a competitive fixture.

Recently, Oyedele made his debut in the Polish top-flight against Pogon Szczecin, where he came on as a substitute in the 68th minute. He then earned his first start in a match against Górnik Zabrze the following weekend, indicating that he is already making an impact in his new team.

The connection between Nigeria and Poland is further highlighted by the presence of players like Emmanuel Olisadebe, who represented Poland at the 2002 World Cup, and Kelechukwu Ebenezer Ibe-Torti, who played five times for Poland's U20s. Additionally, Michael Izunwanne, a standout in the 2024 European U17 Championship, has chosen to represent Poland for now, although he is also eligible for Nigeria through his father and Austria, where he was born.

Man Utd’s Oyedele earns first Poland call-up; Super Eagles eligible

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