French national team soccer player Michael Olise celebrates scoring. EPA/Maciej Kulczynski
Friday May 08, 2026. 13:00
Former Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr has revealed that Michael Olise turned down an invitation to play for Nigeria in 2019.
While scouting the then-Reading winger alongside his assistant Tunde Adelakun, Rohr attempted to persuade Olise to switch allegiance, but the player—eligible for Nigeria, England, France and Algeria—chose to pursue his international career with France.
Rohr described the 24-year-old Bayern Munich star as exceptionally talented even at that young age, while former Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh expressed regret that Nigeria missed out on a potential Ballon d’Or contender who is now a key player for France ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
“In 2019, I saw this player and had a look at him with my assistant, Tunde,” Rohr said, according to Punchng.
“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.
“And this player, six or seven years ago when we saw him, he was so strong. Unfortunately, he refused to play for Nigeria.”
With France, Olise has earned 15 senior caps and scored four goals since his debut in September 2024. The lefty also won an Olympic silver medal with the U23s in 2024 and contributed key goals and assists in the UEFA Nations League.