Olaleye Idowu
Bournemouth midfielder, Malachi Ogunleye has committed his international future to Nigeria.
The youngster, who was born to a Nigerian father, grew up in England and is eligible to represent both countries.
Ogunleye visited Nigeria for the second time in March this year and was attracted by what he saw.
“I’ve had some recognition from the newspapers in Nigeria so it’s been nice to see that,” he said in an interview with Bournemouth official website.
According reports emanating from England, the versatile midfielder has now decided to play for Nigeria instead of the European country.
The decision has put the youngster in contention to feature for Nigeria at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in South Africa.
The Flying Eagles qualified for the competition after winning the WAFU B U-20 Championship in Togo last month.
Ogunleye is in the first of a two-year scholarship with Bournemouth, having been on the club’s books since he was 11.
He has featured regularly for Bournemouth’s U-20 side this season.
