Michael Olise is playing an outstanding season at FC Bayern. Now it’s becoming known that the attacking star should have played for another national team years ago.
Former Bayern professional Gernot Rohr has revealed that Nigeria wanted to recruit the current Munich attacking star for the national team back in 2019. At that time, Olise was still a long way from his current status, but his talent caught the eye of those responsible early on.
„We saw Olise in 2019 and watched him together with my assistant. We were at a game and tried to invite him, but he didn’t want to come to us at the time,“ Rohr explained in retrospect. The Nigeria coach at the time made efforts to recruit the left-footer early on, but was unable to convince him to join the Super Eagles.
Rohr foresaw a „great future“ for Olise
Olise is now playing for France and is having an impressive season at FC Bayern. The 24-year-old now has 20 goals and 26 assists in 47 competitive games following his assist in the 3-3 draw against Heidenheim. He had previously scored in the spectacular 4-5 win in Paris, confirming his strong form once again.
Rohr made it clear that Olise was already aware of his special starting position back then: „He already knew that he could have a great future in a European team and could play for several national teams. Six or seven years ago, when we saw him, he was already very strong. Unfortunately, he decided against Nigeria.“
Olise has long been one of the defining figures in the German record champions‘ attacking play. With his pace, technique and direct approach to goal, the right winger regularly causes problems for opposing defensive lines. Next Wednesday, he will be looking to confirm his strong form in the second leg against PSG and secure a place in the CL final.