Sunday Oliseh fumes over Michael Olise’s decision to represent France than Nigeria

Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has voiced frustration over Michael Olise’s decision to represent France national team instead of Nigeria.

The Bayern Munich winger, who was eligible for Nigeria through his father, had multiple international options but committed to France early in his career, progressing through their youth ranks before making his senior debut.

Oliseh questions Olise’s decision

Oliseh did not hide his disappointment, insisting the forward should have chosen the Super Eagles.

“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.”

The former Super Eagles player also addressed criticism directed at him over the situation:

“Some even sent messages asking why I sabotaged us, your son went to play for France. He’s not my son, and his own Olise does not even have an ‘h’ at the end of it.”

Missed opportunity for Nigeria

Nigeria had previously attempted to secure Olise’s commitment. He was named in a provisional squad by Gernot Rohr for AFCON qualifiers in 2021 but did not feature and later skipped a meeting with then NFF president Amaju Pinnick.

Those efforts ultimately failed, with the player opting to continue his international development with France.

Praise despite frustration

Despite his criticism, Oliseh acknowledged the winger’s rapid development, particularly since his move from Crystal Palace to Bayern.

“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 has established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting attackers, earning regular caps for France since his debut in 2024.

While Nigeria missed out on his services, attention could now shift to his younger brother, Richard Olise, who remains eligible to represent the Super Eagles.