Sunday Oliseh Voices Disappointment Over Michael Olise's France Decision
Former Super Eagles captain and head coach, Sunday Oliseh, has publicly expressed his deep disappointment regarding Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise's choice to represent France internationally rather than Nigeria. Speaking candidly on his Global Football Insights podcast ahead of Bayern Munich's UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid, Oliseh praised the young player's exceptional technical skills but admitted that seeing him in a French jersey is a source of significant frustration.
Oliseh Clarifies Family Misconception Amid Fan Speculation
Oliseh used the podcast platform to address a widespread misconception among football fans who have assumed a familial relationship due to the similarity in their surnames. He remarked humorously on the assumptions, stating that some fans had even sent messages accusing him of sabotage by allowing "his son" to play for France. Oliseh firmly clarified, "He's not my son, and his own Olise does not even have an 'h' at the end of it," highlighting the distinct spelling differences between their names.
Michael Olise's International Eligibility and NFF Efforts
The 22-year-old Bayern Munich star was eligible to represent multiple nations, including Nigeria, Algeria, England, and France, due to his diverse heritage. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had actively courted the former Crystal Palace standout in hopes of securing his commitment to the Super Eagles. Despite these efforts, Olise ultimately decided to pledge his international future to Les Bleus, a decision that Oliseh views as a missed opportunity for Nigerian football.
Oliseh's Emotional Reaction to the Talent Loss
During the podcast, Oliseh did not hold back his emotions, 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 losing a player of such high caliber represents a significant blow to the future prospects of the Super Eagles, regardless of the lack of a family connection. Oliseh's comments underscore the broader sentiment within Nigerian football circles about the importance of retaining top talent for national team success.
