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Gernot Rohr Details Failed Pursuit of Michael Olise for Super Eagles Selection

Posted : 04 May 2026

Former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has provided insight into Nigeria’s unsuccessful attempt to recruit Michael Olise. The German tactician confirmed that he and his scouting team identified the winger’s immense potential as early as 2019. Despite several efforts to integrate him into the national team, Olise remained focused on representing France.

During an interview with Brila FM, Rohr explained that he tracked the playmaker while he was still at Reading. Accompanied by his assistant Tunde Adelakun, the coach personally watched the youngster in action. Rohr noted that Olise was already a dominant force on the pitch at a young age. However, the player felt his career goals were better served by remaining within the European international system.

The Bayern Munich star was eligible for four different nations including England, Nigeria, Algeria, and France. His Nigerian heritage comes from his father, while his mother is of Franco-Algerian descent. Rohr admitted that the coaching staff worked hard to convince him, but Olise’s mind appeared made up long before a senior call-up was possible.

Since that rejection, the 24-year-old has established himself as one of the most prolific wingers in world football. After a successful stint in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, he made a high-profile move to Bayern Munich in 2024. In the current 2025/2026 Bundesliga season, he has recorded an impressive 14 goals and 19 assists in just 30 appearances.

His international trajectory has followed a similar path of success with the French national team. Olise has already earned 15 senior caps for Les Bleus and scored four goals under Didier Deschamps. He also secured a silver medal at the 2024 Olympic Games and helped France secure a third-place finish in the 2025 UEFA Nations League.

The Super Eagles must now watch from the sidelines as Olise prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Nigeria failed to qualify for the global tournament, while Olise is expected to be a central figure for the French squad. This missed opportunity remains a significant talking point regarding Nigeria's recruitment of dual-nationality stars.

 

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