Nigeria has been dealt a huge blow with Spain naming Samu Omorodion in their 2024 Olympics squad.
The 19-year-old, who was a target for the West African nation, made a strong impression during his loan spell at Deportivo Alavés this season, sparking increased interest in him leading up to the summer.
Omorodion gained prominence at the beginning of the 2023/24 season by netting his debut senior goal for Granada against Atletico Madrid.
Shortly after, despite his lack of top-flight experience, the Rojiblancos secured his services, subsequently loaning him to fellow La Liga outfit Alaves.
Omorodion's nine goals in 35 games were enough to earn him a place in Santi Denia's 22-man provisional squad. The 50-year-old is expected to name his final 18-man squad by July 3, and Omorodion is highly tipped to make the cut
Spain has made 11 appearances at the men's edition of the Olympics football, winning gold in 1992 when they hosted the event, and were runners-up in the 1920, 2000, and 2020 editions.
2024 Olympics absence costing Nigeria talents like Olise and Samu Omorodion
Nigeria's inability to qualify for the Olympics has led to missed opportunities with players of Nigerian descent, such as Michael Olise, who will be representing France, and now Samu Omorodion.
Nigeria's hopes of participating in the Olympics were extinguished after a 2-0 aggregate defeat to Guinea in the third round of qualifying for the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
After a goalless draw in the first leg, Nigeria succumbed to two second-half goals in the return fixture, played in Rabat. Africa's four Olympic representatives are Morocco, Egypt, Mali, and Guinea.
Born to Nigerian parents in Melilla, Omorodion relocated to Seville at a young age. He began his football journey with local club AD Nervión before joining Granada's youth academy in 2021.
It is worth mentioning that Omorodion has represented Spain at the U19 and U21 levels.
