According to PUNCH Sports Extra, former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr disclosed that Michael Olise turned down the chance to represent Nigeria as early as 2019. Rohr was appointed head coach of Nigeria in 2016 by former Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick, and he held the position for five years before leaving in 2021. During that time, the Super Eagles saw an influx of foreign-born Nigerian players, including Cyriel Dessers, Ola Aina, Maduka Okoye, Joe Aribo, and Semi Ajayi.
Thinking back on their failed attempt to sign the winger, Rohr recalls scouting Olise with his assistant, Tunde Adelakun, while he was at Reading.
“I saw this player in 2019 and looked him over with Tunde, my assistant. We attempted to invite him to watch a match, but he declined at the moment. Rohr told Brila FM, “I think he already knew he could have a big future in a European team and could play for several countries.”
When we first saw this player six or seven years ago, he was quite powerful. Regretfully, he declined to represent Nigeria.
Since then, Olise has become a worldwide celebrity, especially after moving from Palace to Bayern Munich in 2024, where he and Harry Kane have established a formidable offensive combo.
Sunday Oliseh, a former captain of the Super Eagles, has also lamented Nigeria’s failure to acquire the player.
“I adore Olise’s playing style. However, I’m suggesting that Oliseh should be wearing Nigeria’s green-white-green shirt instead of the national team uniform, which makes me unhappy.
“He is very talented and could be a candidate for the Ballon d’Or someday.” He is a quiet person, and his defenders feel powerless to stop him, so they foul him and insult him in an attempt to agitate him.
Since then, the 24-year-old has made 15 appearances and scored four goals while playing for France at the senior level. Nigeria did not qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Olise is set to play a significant role for Les Bleus.
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