Former Nigerian international Sunday Oliseh has expressed regret over Nigeria’s inability to secure the international allegiance of Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, describing him as a potential Ballon d’Or contender.
Speaking on his Global Football Insights Podcast ahead of Bayern Munich’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final second-leg clash with Real Madrid, Oliseh praised the 24-year-old’s quality while lamenting his decision to represent France at senior level.
“When I see the way Olise plays, I love it. But it gets me angry that I am saying Olise should not be wearing the French national team jersey; he should be wearing the green-white-green jersey of Nigeria,” Oliseh said.
The former Super Eagles coach described Olise as a special talent capable of reaching the pinnacle of world football, insisting that defenders are already struggling to contain him.
“He is so good and might one day contend for the Ballon d’Or. Defenders are feeling helpless against him, and now they foul him, insult him to provoke him, and he is a quiet person,” he added.
Olise, who currently plays for Bayern Munich, was born in England to a Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother, making him eligible to represent multiple countries including Nigeria, England, Algeria, and France.