Michael Olise could have represented Nigeria at the international level, but the Bayern Munich winger ultimately chose to play for France. Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has shed light on why the talented attacker rejected Nigeria's advances.
Olise's Early Ambition
Rohr revealed that even as a young player, Olise believed he was destined for a top European national team. After scouting him in 2019, the Super Eagles technical team contacted him directly, but Olise was not interested. "In 2019, I saw this player and I had a look on him with my assistant, Tunde. We went to watch a match and we tried to invite him but he did not want to join us at the time," Rohr said.
Preference for a European Team
Olise understood his eligibility for multiple countries early on and carefully weighed his options. He knew he could have a big future with a European team like France, which aligned with his long-term career vision.
Rapid Development at Bayern Munich
Since joining Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace, Olise has become a key player and one of Europe's most dangerous attacking midfielders. He has earned 15 caps and scored four goals for France, validating his decision to back himself.
Nigeria's Mixed Recruitment Success
During Rohr's tenure, Nigeria pursued several dual-national players. While some like Ola Aina and Joe Aribo accepted, others like Olise and Eberechi Eze slipped away. Olise's case stands out because he made his final decision without hesitation.
Today, Olise prepares for major tournaments with France, while Nigeria continues to seek consistency after missing World Cup qualifications. Rohr's reflection highlights how small recruitment moments can have long-term consequences.
