Rohr Opens Up on Failed Attempt to Secure Olise For Nigeria

Rohr Opens Up on Failed Attempt to Secure Olise For Nigeria

By BSN Sports 

Former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has shed light on why Michael Olise opted against representing Nigeria at international level, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Olise, now a winger for FC Bayern Munich, was eligible to play for multiple countries, including Nigeria through his British-Nigerian father, as well as France, Algeria, and England.

Rohr revealed that he and his coaching staff identified Olise’s potential early in his career and made efforts to convince him to commit to the Super Eagles during his time at Reading F.C.. However, the attempt was unsuccessful, as the player declined the invitation.

Speaking on Brila FM, Rohr explained that Olise appeared focused on pursuing his international future in Europe.

“In 2019, my assistant and I watched him and tried to invite him, but he didn’t want to join us,” Rohr said. “He knew he had a big future with a European national team. He was eligible for several countries, and even then, we could see his quality. Unfortunately, he chose not to play for Nigeria.”

Olise eventually pledged his international allegiance to France national football team, making his senior debut in 2024. He was also part of the squad that secured a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The 23-year-old began his football journey at Hayes & Yeading before progressing through the youth academies of Chelsea F.C., Arsenal F.C., and Manchester City F.C., underlining his development within top European systems.