Belgium aims to get ahead of Nigeria for Kazeem Olaigbe

Europe 07 May 2025 at 14:26

Lydiane N'Po

News Editor

With the FIFA matchdays approaching in June, the Belgian national team is eager to secure the signature of an emerging talent. Red Devils head coach Rudi Garcia has hinted that a young dual-national, who has yet to be called up to the senior squad, will be included in his preliminary selection for the upcoming international break.

That player is believed to be Kazeem Olaigbe. Born in Brussels in 2003, Olaigbe is a left winger developed at Anderlecht, who has played for Southampton, Cercle Brugge, and is currently under contract with Stade Rennais until 2029. A Belgian international at every youth level up to U21, he is also eligible to represent Nigeria, the country of his parents' origin.

"Nowadays, we anticipate everything. You will see a dual-national player on the preliminary list, not two, because there is another one I can't include, who is of Belgian origin but does not yet have a Belgian passport," said the Red Devils' coach.

If it does turn out to be Kazeem Olaigbe, it is clear that the Belgian federation wants to leave nothing to chance and avoid a repeat of the Chemsdine Talbi situation. Fully aware of the 22-year-old's potential, they are moving early to preempt any possible switch of sporting nationality. Meanwhile, Nigeria is stepping up efforts to persuade the player to choose the Super Eagles. Nigerian media has reported that coach Eric Chelle is keen to include Olaigbe in his squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.