Former Super Eagles captain and head coach, Sunday Oliseh has voiced his disappointment regarding Michael Olise’s decision to represent France on the international stage.
Speaking on his Global Football Insights podcast in the lead-up to Bayern Munich’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid, Oliseh lauded the winger’s immense technical ability but admitted that seeing him in a French jersey is a source of frustration.
The 22-year-old Bayern Munich star was eligible to represent Nigeria, Algeria, England, or France. While the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) previously courted the former Crystal Palace standout, Olise ultimately committed his international future to Les Bleus.
“When I see Olise play, he gets me so angry,” Oliseh stated during his podcast. “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.”
Oliseh also used the platform to clear up a common misconception among fans who assume the two are related due to their similar surnames.
“This is why our people are funny. Some even sent messages asking why I sabotaged us—your son went to play for France,” Oliseh remarked.
“He’s not my son, and his own Olise does not even have an ‘h’ at the end of it.”
Despite the lack of a family tie, Oliseh maintains that losing a talent of that caliber is a significant blow to the Super Eagles’ future prospects