Olise refused Eagles invitation in 2019 – Rohr

Former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has revealed that Michael Olise declined the opportunity to represent Nigeria as far back as 2019, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Rohr was appointed head coach of Nigeria 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 saw an influx of foreign-born Nigerian players, including Cyriel Dessers, Ola Aina, Maduka Okoye, Joe Aribo and Semi Ajayi, but he was unable to convince the former Crystal Palace player to switch allegiance.

Olise, who was born in England to a British-Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother, was playing at Reading FC at the time, but opted to represent France, where he progressed through the youth ranks before breaking into the senior national team.

Rohr recalled scouting Olise during his time at Reading alongside his assistant, Tunde Adelakun, reflecting on their unsuccessful attempt to recruit the winger.

“In 2019, I saw this player and had a look at him with my assistant, Tunde. We went to watch a match and tried to invite him, but he did not want to join us at the time. I think he already knew he could have a big future in a European team and could play for several countries, of course,” Rohr told Brila FM.

“And this player, six or seven years ago when we saw him, he was so strong. Unfortunately, he refused to play for Nigeria.”

Olise has since developed into a global star, particularly following his move from Palace to Bayern Munich in 2024, where he has formed a potent attacking partnership with Harry Kane.

Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has also expressed regret over Nigeria missing out on the player.

“When I see the way Olise plays, I love it. But it gets me angry that I am saying Olise should not be wearing the French national team jersey; he should be wearing the green-white-green jersey of Nigeria,” Oliseh said.

“He is so good and might one day contend for the Ballon d’Or. Defenders are feeling helpless against him, and now they foul him, insult him to provoke him, and he is a quiet person.”

The 24-year-old has since represented France at senior level, making 15 appearances and scoring four goals.

Olise is expected to play a key role for Les Bleus at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, for which Nigeria did not qualify.