Rohr Reveals Olise Declined Nigeria Invitation in 2019

Gernot Rohr, the former head coach of Nigeria's national football team, disclosed that Michael Olise declined an invitation to represent Nigeria back in 2019. Rohr, who was appointed head coach in 2016, noted that during his tenure, there was a notable influx of foreign-born Nigerian players.

Despite efforts to recruit Olise, who was born in England to a British Nigerian father and a French Algerian mother, he opted to represent France at the youth level and subsequently at the senior level, making 15 appearances and scoring four goals. Rohr recalled that he sent a scout to watch Olise play for Reading, but the player was not interested in joining the Nigerian team at that time, believing he had a promising future with European clubs.

Sunday Oliseh, a former Super Eagles captain, expressed regret over Nigeria's missed opportunity with Olise, emphasizing his talent and potential impact on the team. Olise is expected to play a key role for France in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Nigeria did not qualify.