Gernot Rohr, the former manager of the Nigerian national team, has provided insight into the circumstances surrounding Michael Olise’s decision to bypass the Super Eagles in favor of representing France. The 24-year-old Bayern Munich standout possessed a complex array of international options due to his multicultural background; born in England to a Nigerian father and a mother of Franco-Algerian descent, he was technically eligible to represent four different nations. Despite efforts from the Nigerian football hierarchy to secure his commitment, the talented attacker ultimately chose to pledge his loyalty to the French setup.
In a recent conversation with Brila FM, Rohr disclosed that the pursuit of the former Crystal Palace playmaker began many years ago. The veteran tactician explained that his scouting team had identified Olise’s immense potential well before he became a household name in European football. According to Rohr, even during his early developmental years, the winger exhibited a clear preference for the French national team, making Nigeria’s recruitment task nearly impossible despite their early interest.
Reflecting on his scouting mission and the subsequent discussions with the player, Rohr detailed the timeline of the Super Eagles’ attempt to integrate him into the squad:
“In 2019, I saw Michael Olise with my assistant Tunde Adelakun,” Rohr stated. “We tried to invite him, but he did not want to join us at the time.”
The former coach emphasized that the quality Olise now displays at the highest level was evident even in his teenage years, making his refusal a significant loss for Nigerian football.
“He was already playing well. As at when we saw him, that was six to seven years ago, we saw him so strong and unfortunately, he refused to play for Nigeria,” Rohr added.
As Olise continues to thrive on the continental stage with Bayern Munich, Rohr’s revelations highlight the competitive nature of international recruitment and the long-standing desire of the winger to pursue a career under the French flag.
