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Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has revealed how close Nigeria came to securing the services of Michael Olise, the gifted winger now dazzling for Bayern Munich and France, Footynaija.com reports.
Born in London to a Nigerian father and French-Algerian mother, Olise was eligible for four nations — Nigeria, France, England, and Algeria. Rohr, then Nigeria’s head coach, spotted the youngster’s brilliance early while he was still at Reading.
“He’s a fantastic player. I really value him highly and have known him since my time as national coach in Nigeria,” former Bayern Munich star Rohr told T-Online.
Between 2019 and 2020, Rohr tried to convince the then-teenager to represent Nigeria. But Olise, confident in his path to the top, declined the offer.
“Even then, his great potential was undeniable. In the end, though, he unfortunately declined. He knew he could make it with even bigger footballing nations and ultimately decided to play for France,” Rohr said.
Now 23, Olise is thriving at Bayern Munich, earning comparisons to French legend Franck Ribéry. Rohr believes the winger can reach that level: “He’s truly exceptional and admirable. Bayern have made a very good signing with him.”
As Bayern prepare for their Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain, Olise is expected to play a decisive role. For Nigeria, however, he remains the one that got away, a player whose creativity and flair could have transformed the Super Eagles midfield.
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