Former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has opened up about why Michael Olise turned down the opportunity to represent Nigeria during Rohr's tenure. Rohr, who scouted Olise's talent and approached him, revealed that the English-born attacker declined the invitation.
Olise's Decision to Reject Nigeria
Speaking in an interview with Brila FM, Rohr confirmed that he made an audacious attempt to bring Olise into the Nigerian fold. Olise was born in England to a Nigerian father and a Franco-Algerian mother, making him eligible to represent Nigeria, Algeria, France, and England. At the time of Rohr's approach, Olise was playing for Reading FC in the EFL Championship.
"In 2019, I saw this player (Michael Olise) with my assistant Tunde (Adelakun)," Rohr said. "We had a look at him, we went to watch a match, and we tried to invite him, but he didn't want to join us this time. I think he already knew he could have a big future in a European team. He can play for several countries, of course."
Rohr, now head coach of Benin, expressed disappointment that Olise turned down Nigeria, noting that the player's talent was evident even then. "This player was already playing well. As at when we saw him, that was six to seven years ago, we saw him so strong. Unfortunately, he refused to play for Nigeria," he added.
Olise's Career Progression
Olise's career advanced rapidly after his rejection of Nigeria. He left Reading to join Crystal Palace in the Premier League in the summer of 2021, where he excelled. In 2024, he moved to German Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, with Chelsea also vying for his signature. The left-footed winger has developed into one of the world's best in his position and is in the Ballon d'Or conversation this season.
He has helped Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga and reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, scoring 20 goals and providing 29 assists in 47 games across all competitions, according to Transfermarkt.
Ola Aina's Choice for Nigeria
In a related development, Legit.ng previously reported that Ola Aina explained why he chose to represent the Super Eagles despite being born in London. Aina played for England's youth teams but switched his international allegiance in 2017 to play for Nigeria, the country of his parents.
