Maxi Oyedele: Man Utd product still eligible to represent Nigeria despite competitive debut for Poland

Manchester United academy product Maxi Oyedele made his competitive debut for Poland as they were beaten 3-1 by Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in a UEFA Nations League match at Stadion Narodowy (Warszawa) on Saturday night, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

Born in Salford, England, he is eligible to represent the Super Eagles through his Nigerian father Ayo Oyedele and The Eagles through his Polish mother. 

His father has suggested that Maxi chose to represent Poland instead of Nigeria because he feels more connected to the European nation.

After twelve years at Manchester United, Oyedele sealed a transfer to Polish giants Legia Warsaw in the summer transfer window.

Some fans and pundits questioned the decision of manager Michal Probierz to hand him an invitation to the national team for the internationals in October, as he had logged only 100 minutes at the highest level of club football prior to his first senior call-up. 

And even more surprisingly, Oyedele was named in the starting lineup to face Portugal.

Sporting the number 17 on the back of his jersey, the defensive midfielder was in action for 66 minutes before making way for Jakub Moder.

Despite making his competitive debut for Poland, the 19-year-old Oyedele remains eligible to play for the Super Eagles because of Fifa eligibility rules.  

He won't be cap-tied to Poland until he makes three further appearances before the age of 21.

Oyedele was not the only player of African descent to debut for Poland against Portugal. 

Raków Częstochowa winger Michael Ameyaw, who was eligible to represent Ghana's Black Stars through his father, entered the game as a substitute in the 76th minute for his cap-tying appearance.

Should Oyedele feature in Poland's last three games of 2024, he will lose his eligibility to play for Nigeria on the international stage.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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