Former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has revealed why Bayern Munich forward Michael Olise declined the opportunity to represent Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
Rohr was appointed head coach of the Nigerian national team in 2016 by former president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, and spent five years in charge before his departure in 2021.
During his tenure, the Super Eagles became the first African team to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. However, Nigeria finished third in Group D and were eliminated from the the tournament at the group stage, which remains their last World Cup appearance till date.
The Benin Republic head coach also guided the team to a bronze medal at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations before he was dismissed in 2021 and replaced by Augustine Eguavoen.
Gernot Rohr explains Michael Olise’s decision to snub Nigeria
During his time in charge of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr and his staffs made efforts to recruit several dual-nationality players to strengthen the squad and improve their level of competition.
While they were successful in their bid to convince the likes of Cyriel Dessers, Ola Aina, Maduka Okoye, Joe Aribo and Semi Ajayi to commit to Nigeria, they were unable to secure the allegiance of others.
One player who turned down the chance is Michael Olise, who was born in England to a British-Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother. Despite Nigeria’s interest, he chose to represent France, where he developed through the youth ranks before making it to the senior national team.
Speaking in an interview with Brila, Rohr recalled watching Olise during his time at Reading alongside one of his assistant, Tunde Adelakun, reflecting on their failed attempt to convince the winger.
“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. Because I think he already knew he can have a big future in an European team and can play for several countries of course”, Rohr said.
“And this player, six or seven years ago when we saw him he was so strong. Unfortunately he refused to play for Nigeria.”
Michael Olise has since developed into a global star, especially following his move to Bayern Munich in 2024, where he has formed a devastating attacking trio with Harry Kane and Luis Diaz.
The 24-year-old has also gone ahead to represent France at senior level and has already made 15 appearances, scoring four goals. Olise is expected to play a major role for Les Bleus at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Nigeria will not be part of the competition, leaving the Super Eagles to reflect on what might have been.
