Michael Olise’s 2026 World Cup heroics show what Nigeria lost in Super Eagles attack

Michael Olise is proving to be one of the biggest stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Afrik-Foot reports.

The talented attacking midfielder, who was born to a Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother, chose to play for France instead of Nigeria.

As Olise continues to shine for Les Bleus, many Nigerian fans cannot help but imagine what the Super Eagles could have looked like if he had decided to wear the green and white jersey.

With Victor Osimhen leading the attack, Ademola Lookman causing problems from wide areas and Eric Chelle in charge, Olise could have been the missing creative force Nigeria has searched for in recent years.

His vision, passing, crossing and ability to unlock tight defences would have added another level to the Super Eagles’ attack.

Michael Olise could have solved Super Eagles’ creativity problem

If Nigeria lined up in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system, Olise would almost certainly start on the right wing while drifting inside to create chances.

A possible lineup would feature Stanley Nwabali in goal, Bruno Onyemaechi, Emmanuel Fernandez, Calvin Bassey and Ola Aina in defence, with Wilfred Ndidi partnering Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in midfield.

Olise would occupy the right wing, Ademola Lookman would attack from the left, while Victor Osimhen would lead the line. Alex Iwobi could operate as the attacking midfielder, although Olise also has the quality to play through the middle if needed.

His presence would likely push Samuel Chukwueze into a valuable impact substitute role.

Michael Olise almost scored the goal of the tournament 🔥 pic.twitter.com/eKb2TbBJD6

— McPhils PR (@GRNasake) July 1, 2026

Olise’s greatest strength is his ability to cut inside from the right onto his stronger left foot. That movement would create space for Aina to overlap down the flank while giving Osimhen more accurate crosses and through balls inside the penalty area.

With Lookman stretching defences on the left, Olise creating chances from the right and Osimhen making dangerous runs through the middle, Nigeria would possess Africa’s most exciting attacking trio.

His presence would also allow Iwobi to play deeper alongside Ndidi, helping the Super Eagles keep better balance between attack and defence.

Why Michael Olise would be perfect for Eric Chelle’s diamond system

Eric Chelle has often preferred using a 4-4-2 diamond formation, where creativity comes from the player operating behind two strikers. In that system, Olise would be the ideal No. 10.

The midfield could consist of Wilfred Ndidi as the holding midfielder, Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka as energetic box-to-box players, while Olise controls attacks from the tip of the diamond.

Ahead of him would be Osimhen and Lookman, although Akor Adams could also partner Osimhen depending on the opponent.

Chelle has previously tested players like Lookman and Chukwueze in advanced midfield roles, but Olise naturally fits the position because of his awareness, passing range and ability to find teammates between defensive lines.

His movement into the right half-spaces would also combine well with overlapping runs from Aina or Bright Osayi-Samuel, creating dangerous overloads on Nigeria’s strongest attacking side.

With Olise taking responsibility for creating chances, players like Iwobi and Onyeka could focus more on winning possession, pressing opponents and driving the team forward.

Most importantly, Osimhen and Lookman would receive regular quality service instead of relying on long balls or individual brilliance.

World Cup performances show exactly what Nigeria missed

Olise’s performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have shown why he is regarded as arguably Europe’s finest attacking midfielder at the moment.

11 – 🇫🇷 Michael Olise has played more through balls (11) than any other player at this FIFA World Cup.

In fact, his total of 11 is already the most by a player in a single edition since 🇪🇸 Xavi in 2010 (12).

Technicolor. pic.twitter.com/8Lu1CBdUss

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 1, 2026

After four matches, he leads the tournament with five assists, the highest total of any player. Only Brazilian legend Pelé, who registered six assists at the 1970 World Cup, has produced more assists in a single edition of the competition since official records began tracking the statistic.

Across the 2025/26 season for club and country, Olise has already produced 32 assists, a big boost for his reputation as a world-class creator.

He played a major role as France finished top of Group I with victories over Senegal (3-1), Iraq (3-0) and Norway (4-1).

In France’s 3-0 Round of 32 victory over Sweden at MetLife Stadium, Olise delivered two brilliant assists for Bradley Barcola and Kylian Mbappé. He also came close to scoring one of the goals of the tournament when his spectacular bicycle kick crashed against the post.

His outstanding displays have helped make France one of the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup.