Nigerian dad reveals why Man Utd alum Oyedele chose Poland over Super Eagles, reveals midfielder's idols

Manchester United academy product Maxi Oyedele was a shock inclusion in Poland's squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Portugal and Croatia in October. 

Oyedele has received his first call-up to Poland's senior national team after logging 100 minutes for new club Legia Warsaw, whom he joined in the summer transfer window after a 12-year association with the Red Devils. 

During his time at Manchester United, he took in loan spells at Altrincham and Forest Green Rovers, making sixteen league appearances combined for the two English clubs.

Born to a Polish mother and Nigerian father in Salford, England, Oyedele decided to pledge his international future to Poland because the Polish Football Association were the first federation to contact him.

The 19-year-old made his debut for Poland U18s in March 2022 and also has caps for Poland at U19, U20 and U21 levels.

Maxi's Nigerian father, Ayo Oyedele revealed that his son idolizes Manchester United academy product Paul Pogba and former Chelsea star N'Golo Kante, who in his prime was regarded as the finest defensive midfielder in Europe.

Speaking to TVP Sport, Ayo Oyedele said: "Maxi has admired central midfielders the most since he was a child. For as long as I can remember, his favorite player is Paul Pogba, but he also appreciates N'Golo Kante very much. 

"My son really likes watching them, and also analyzing their game".

In a previous interview, Ayo suggested that Maxi opted to represent Poland over Nigeria because he feels more connected to the European nation.

“I think he is closer to Poland than to Nigeria, where I come from and whose colours he could also represent," Ayo admitted.

"He has only been to Africa once in his life, and he has been here quite often - I have flown here with him more than ten times. 

“Although he grew up in England, he has always felt good in Poland. It is his second home. He knows the culture and the language."

Oyedele will not be cap-tied to Poland even if he's given minutes in both matches against Portugal and Croatia as he's still an U21 player.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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