Impressed By Nigerian Culture, Bournemouth’s Malachi Ogunleye Chooses Eagles Over England

Malachi Ogunleye, a midfielder for Bournemouth, has officially committed to representing Nigeria at the international level.

Born to a Nigerian father, Ogunleye spent his early years in England and was eligible to play for either Nigeria or England.

In March 2024, Ogunleye made his second visit to Nigeria, where he was deeply impressed by the country’s vibrant culture and the passionate football scene. This visit played a key role in his decision to choose Nigeria over other countries for his international career.

Speaking about the visit, Ogunleye expressed his appreciation for the recognition he received from the Nigerian media. “I’ve had some recognition from the newspapers in Nigeria, so it’s been nice to see that,” he said. This recognition helped strengthen his connection to his Nigerian roots and boosted his confidence.

Reports confirmed that Ogunleye’s decision to play for Nigeria is final, and he could potentially be part of the Nigerian team for the 2025 Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations in South Africa. The Flying Eagles, Nigeria’s Under-20 team, have already qualified for the tournament after winning the WAFU B Under-20 Championship in Togo, making Ogunleye’s participation a real possibility.

Currently, Ogunleye is in his first year of a two-year scholarship with Bournemouth, where he has been developing his skills since joining the club at age 11. This season, he has been a regular in the Bournemouth Under-20 team, showcasing his skills and versatility in midfield.

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