More than two decades after becoming one of Poland’s most celebrated foreign-born footballers, Emmanuel Olisadebe says he would make exactly the same choice again if given the opportunity to relive his international career, Footynaija reports.
The former Jasper United striker, who was born in Warri before moving to Europe, enjoyed a remarkable spell with the Polish national team, scoring 11 goals in 25 appearances and helping the country reach the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He was particularly influential during the qualification campaign, finding the net eight times in nine matches before also scoring against the United States at the tournament in Japan and South Korea.
Ahead of Wednesday night’s international friendly between Nigeria and Poland at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw, Olisadebe was asked whether he had any regrets about representing Poland instead of the Super Eagles.
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His response was straightforward.
“Yes, in the same situation,” Olisadebe said in an interview shared on Sporty Channel’s YouTube platform.
The 46-year-old also gave his verdict on the upcoming clash and believes Poland have the advantage, largely because Nigeria will be without Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
“Because two key players from Nigeria, they are not playing. I don’t know where the goal is going to come from. But I know they are very good players, new players. I have not seen them play, so that’s why I said 2–0,” Olisadebe explained.
Olisadebe was among the guests present at Poland’s pre-match press conference on Tuesday, where he posed a question to head coach Jan Urban regarding Robert Lewandowski. He clarified, however, that he was not attending the event as a journalist.
“I am a guest, promotional for STS, not journalism. We have something with Bravo Sport, so I was asked by the company to be here, just a kind of promotion for the company.”
Nigeria sealed a 1-0 win over Poland in the only previous meeting between the two nations.
