Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has voiced strong disappointment over Bayern Munich forward Michael Olise’s decision to represent France instead of Nigeria, calling it a missed opportunity for the national team. Olise, who made his senior debut for France in a UEFA Nations League match against Italy in September 2024, was eligible to play for Nigeria through his father, England by birth, and Algeria through his mother’s heritage. Despite being named in Nigeria’s squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho under then-coach Gernot Rohr, Olise did not feature in either game and also skipped a planned meeting with former NFF president Amaju Pinnick in London ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
Oliseh, speaking on his show Global Football Insights, expressed frustration, stating, “When I see Olise play, he gets me so angry. I’m just saying this guy should not be wearing the French national team jersey; he should be wearing the green-white-green of Nigeria.” He emphasized that the player’s choice was not influenced by him, adding, “He’s not my son, and his own Olise does not even have an ‘h’ at the end of it.” The former coach also noted that some Nigerians had accused him of sabotaging the team, a claim he firmly denied.
Despite his disappointment, Oliseh praised Olise’s talent and development. He admitted, “When he was doing great at Crystal Palace, I was saying to myself, ‘This guy is good, but maybe he’s missing something.’ But when I see him now at Bayern, I say to myself, ‘This guy one day might also contest for the Ballon d’Or because he is so good.’” Olise’s performances have drawn attention, with defenders often fouling him and even provoking him, yet he remains composed on the pitch.
Since his senior debut for France, Olise has recorded four goals and three assists in 15 appearances. His rise at Bayern Munich has made him one of Europe’s most exciting young talents. Meanwhile, his younger brother, Chelsea right-back Richard Olise, remains eligible to play for Nigeria, despite having represented England’s youth teams. The Olise brothers’ international eligibility highlights the ongoing debate over talent acquisition for the Super Eagles.
Oliseh’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among Nigerian football fans and officials who believe the country continues to lose potential stars to other nations. As the Super Eagles seek to rebuild and strengthen their squad, the story of Michael Olise serves as a reminder of the importance of early engagement and strategic recruitment. The future of Nigerian football may depend on how effectively the NFF identifies and nurtures such talents before they commit to other countries.
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