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Euro nation 'wants' African star to make allegiance switch

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A certain European nation is reportedly trying to convince Eliesse Ben Seghir to represent them instead of Morocco.
A certain European nation is reportedly trying to convince Eliesse Ben Seghir to represent them instead of Morocco.

One of Europe's biggest footballing countries is reportedly making a last-minute attempt to convince an African star to represent their nation instead.

Allegiance switches have become increasingly common over the past few years, with the likes of England duo Jack Grealish and Declan Rice both dropping Ireland to represent the Three Lions.

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This trend has continued, especially in relation to African nations, with a number of them have welcome players from abroad due to their lineage. 

Two of the most recent examples include Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid, who decided to give in to Morocco's long-time attempts to secure his international services and represent them instead of his country of birth Spain.

Another star who went a similar route during the recent international break is former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe, who traded England for DR Congo. 

Now, however, France reportedly trying to persuade an African star to consider a change and represent Les Bleus. 

According to Foot Mercato, the France Football Federation (FFF) has once again reached out to AS Monaco sensation Eliesse Ben Seghir to represent them at senior international level instead of Morocco.

The Atlas Lions handed the 19-year-old two appearances in friendly matches in the recent international break, but the FFF is now in a race against time to convince the teenager to make the switch before the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June.

Should he feature for Morocco during those fixtures later this year, Seghir will no longer be eligible to make the nationality change. 

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Speaking last month after being called up by Walid Regragui for the Atlas Lions, the French-born forward said: "It was a difficult choice but one that I deeply considered. It was also a relief and I am very proud. As I said, it wasn't an easy choice, but my origins won."

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