By Our Correspondent

National News – Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has disclosed that Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise turned down an invitation to represent Nigeria in 2019, despite efforts by the national team to secure his commitment.

Rohr, who managed Nigeria between 2016 and 2021, said the approach was made while Olise was still developing at Reading FC, but the player opted against switching allegiance at the time.

According to Rohr, he and his assistant closely monitored Olise’s progress and attended matches to assess his potential before extending the invitation.

However, the winger, eligible to play for multiple countries through his Nigerian father and French-Algerian mother, declined, believing his future lay with a European national team.

The decision ultimately saw him commit to France national football team, where he progressed through youth ranks into the senior squad.

Since then, Olise’s career has soared. After leaving Crystal Palace in 2024, he joined Bayern Munich, becoming a key attacking figure alongside top players and gaining global recognition.

His performances have reinforced concerns among Nigerian football stakeholders about losing dual-nationality talents to other countries.

Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh also lamented the missed opportunity, expressing frustration that a player of Olise’s quality is not representing Nigeria.

He described the winger as a rare talent capable of reaching the highest level in world football, noting his composure, creativity, and ability to trouble defenders.

Now aged 24, Olise has already made multiple appearances for France’s senior team and is expected to play a significant role in upcoming international tournaments, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria, which failed to qualify for the tournament, continues to reflect on what might have been had the talented forward chosen the Super Eagles.