One of the stars of the ongoing world cup is France forward Michael Olise who had five assists in six games before yesterday’s 0-2 defeat to Spain in the semi final.
The 24 year old who currently plays for German Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich was born to a Nigerian father and an Algerian mother in France, but grew up in England.
He had the choice of playing for any of the above mentioned country, but opted for France although his first ever international invitation was from Nigeria in 2020 under former coach Gernot Rohr, while he was at English Championship side Reading.
If he had opted for Nigeria he would have followed in the footsteps of his father, who played a different sport in cricket and represented Nigeria before relocating to France, and later England.
Now 66 year old, Vincent Olise played for multiple teams, including Lagos State, Foundations Cricket Club and Nigeria.
He claimed his best cricketing moment came when he played for Nigeria against Gambia in the West African Quadrangular tournament.
Vincent says that he took 10 wickets in a single innings and equalled a record set by Chris Enahoro.
However, his worst moment came while he was a part of the cricket team at the University of Ife.
The team was beaten in the NUGA finals in Ife in 1984 by the University of Lagos.
Vincent had a backup if he had not made it as a cricketer with badminton also being a passion of his, which he excelled at.
He played for Nigeria between 1983 and 1993 before going on to have spells with British West Indian CC and London Nigerians CC.
Vincent started out as an opening batter and specialist fielder before cementing himself as a bowler.
The now-Bayern Munich star Olise has his own love of cricket, thanks to his dad, which he has admitted to.
In an interview with FCBinside, he was asked about his other interests away from football.
He said: “Ping-pong. And cricket.
“My father was a national cricket player for Nigeria.”
