Raoul Savoy: Swiss Coach Outlines Strategy for African Nations to Attract Foreign Born Players

• A flurry of players of African descent have continued to feature for European and Caribbean nations in recent times
• According to a report, as many as 50 players of African descent are currently representing various countries at Euro 2024
• Swiss coach Raoul Savoy has outlined what African nations need to do to attract foreign-born players to represent them

It's been a recurring trend in football to see players of African descent choose to represent various European and Caribbean nations at the international level.

This trend, which dates as far back as the 1950s, has shown no sign of slowing down through the 21st century.

According to data from 49th Street, the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament features over 50 players of African descent representing various nations.

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In a recent interview, Swiss coach, Raoul Savoy, discussed what African nations might need to do to encourage more foreign-born players to opt for their countries of origin.

Savoy discusses African players representing European nations

In an interview with Brila.net, the Central African Republic manager emphasised that African countries should strengthen their scouting networks to identify and integrate talented players early in their formative years, rather than pursuing them in their prime.

"Between 15 and 16, you have to show them that you want them, and they have to choose you very soon," Savoy stated.

"But when you call players between 25 and 26 when they are already waiting for another call-up, just be sure they will not be committed to you. Maybe one day they will forget you. One day, they will say yes, and another, they will say no."

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Several African teams, including Nigeria, are hopeful that players like Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, and Luton Town’s Elijah Adebayo, will someday don the green and white kits of the Super Eagles.

Raoul Savoy subtly urges NFF to appoint him

In another report by Sports Brief, coach Savoy subtly expressed his interest in being appointed as the coach of the Super Eagles.

The 51-year-old clarified that he didn’t apply for the vacancy left by Finidi George’s departure but mentioned that he would welcome consideration for the position by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

Savoy boasts extensive experience across Africa, having managed four countries, including Ethiopia and Swaziland.