As the African Cup of Nations approaches, countries that have qualified for the tournament are actively engaging in efforts to attract dual nationals who may still be undecided about their international allegiances.
Sami Trabelsi, the coach of the Tunisian national team (Carthage Eagles), has reportedly made multiple attempts to convince the 21-year-old Wissen Ben Yedder to join the Tunisian squad. Despite these efforts, the young player, who currently plays for SC Bastia, seems inclined to choose the French national team. According to the Tunisian press, Ben Yedder sees the opportunity to play in both the African Cup of Nations and possibly the World Cup by opting for the French selection.
On the Algerian side, there is satisfaction with the inclusion of Faouzi Ghoulam in the squad. Ghoulam, who plays as a full-back for Saint-Etienne, had previously represented the French Espoirs (youth team). Additionally, Wahbi Kharzi has decided to return to his country of origin, choosing to represent Algeria.
These scenarios highlight the competition among national teams to secure the commitment of dual-national players, a common occurrence in international football. Players often face decisions regarding which national team to represent, considering factors such as career opportunities, personal preferences, and international competition prospects. The dynamics surrounding player choices can have a significant impact on the composition and strength of national teams in major tournaments.