Michael Olise turned down Nigeria invitation, says Rohr
Gernot Rohr has revealed that Michael Olise declined an invitation to play for Nigeria despite efforts to recruit him. During his time as Super Eagles coach, Rohr tried to bring in several foreign-born Nigerian players, but Olise opted to represent France. Olise, who was playing for Reading FC at the time, has since become a star and now plays for Bayern Munich. Former captain Sunday Oliseh has also expressed disappointment over missing out on Olise.
Match highlights
- Gernot Rohr said that he and his assistant, Tunde Adelakun, scouted Michael Olise at Reading FC and tried to invite him to the Super Eagles.
- Olise chose not to join Nigeria, instead progressing through France's youth teams before making the senior squad.
- Rohr noted that Olise was already aware of his potential to play for top European teams and multiple countries.
- Sunday Oliseh expressed regret, saying Olise should be playing for Nigeria rather than France.
- Olise has made 15 appearances and scored four goals for France at senior level and is expected to play a key role at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
