‘Nigeria Isn’t Just a Flag for Us, It’s Our Heritage’: Olabiyi Reflects on Breakthrough

Micah Olabiyi, the 16-year-old forward who stunned English football with his breakout season at Wycombe Wanderers, has spoken passionately about his pride in training with Nigeria’s senior national team and the emotional impact it had on his family.

The teenager insists his invitation to train with the Super Eagles in London was the defining moment of his breakthrough year.

‘That invitation to train with the Nigerian national team in London was a surreal experience. At 16, to even be invited into that environment was a huge honour and a massive vote of confidence,’ Olabiyi tod .

For him, the call-up carried deep personal meaning.

‘Nigeria isn’t just a flag for us, it’s our heritage, it’s family, it’s the culture we grew up with at home. The food, the music, the values, it’s all part of who I am. Seeing how proud my family was, especially my grandfather, really stuck with me, and it makes me lean more towards Nigeria,’ he explained.

Olabiyi admitted the experience gave him clarity about his international future.

‘Before that, the idea of playing international football felt so distant… But being in that camp, wearing the Nigerian badge in training, it made it feel real. It planted a seed, for sure,’ he said.

Looking ahead, the teenager is determined to build on his momentum.

‘For 2026/27, my main target is breaking into Wycombe’s starting XI consistently… On the international side, I want to earn my first competitive call-up,’ he declared.

Olabiyi also revealed his admiration for AC Milan’s Rafael Leão, saying: ‘I love how effortless he makes everything look… If I can bring even half of that unpredictability and confidence to my game, I’ll be happy.’