Michael Olise rejected Nigeria approach in 2019 – Gernot Rohr reveals

Former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has disclosed that highly rated winger Michael Olise turned down an opportunity to represent Nigeria as far back as 2019.

Rohr, who led the Super Eagles between 2016 and 2021, made the revelation while reflecting on his efforts to recruit foreign-born players during his tenure.

Under his watch, Nigeria successfully integrated several dual nationals, including Cyriel Dessers, Ola Aina, Maduka Okoye, Joe Aribo and Semi Ajayi, but Olise remained out of reach.

Olise, born in England to a British-Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother, was on the books of Reading FC at the time.

Despite eligibility for multiple national teams, he eventually committed his international future to France, progressing through their youth system before breaking into the senior squad.

Recounting the failed attempt, Rohr said he personally scouted the player alongside his assistant Tunde Adelakun during a trip to watch him in action.

“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,” Rohr told Brila FM.

“I think he already knew he could have a big future in a European team and could play for several countries, of course. And this player, six or seven years ago when we saw him, he was so strong. Unfortunately, he refused to play for Nigeria.”

Since then, Olise’s career has soared. After establishing himself at Crystal Palace, he secured a high-profile move to Bayern Munich in 2024, where he has continued his rapid rise and become a key figure in their attacking setup alongside England striker Harry Kane.

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.