France and Bayern Munich forward Michael Olise has shared a fascinating insight into his family’s sporting history, revealing that his father proudly represented Nigeria’s national cricket team during the 1980s and early 1990s.
The 24-year-old attacker, who enjoyed an impressive FIFA World Cup campaign with five assists in six matches before France’s semi-final exit to Spain, spoke about his roots and the sporting influence within his family in a recent interview.
Born in France to a Nigerian father and an Algerian mother, Olise spent much of his childhood in England before emerging as one of Europe’s brightest football talents. Although Nigeria previously attempted to convince him to represent the Super Eagles during his time at Reading under former head coach Gernot Rohr, the gifted winger ultimately chose to play for France.
Despite that decision, Olise maintains a strong connection to his Nigerian heritage through his father, Vincent Olise, a respected cricketer who represented Nigeria between 1983 and 1993.
During his playing career, Vincent featured for Lagos State, Foundations Cricket Club, and the Nigerian national cricket team while also playing club cricket in England for British West Indian CC and London Nigerians CC.
Initially an opening batter and outstanding fielder, Vincent later developed into a highly effective bowler. One of the highlights of his career came during the West African Quadrangular Tournament, where he claimed 10 wickets in a single innings against Gambia, equalling a long-standing record previously set by Chris Enahoro.
Away from international cricket, he also represented the University of Ife and competed in the 1984 Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) finals, where his team finished runners-up to the University of Lagos. In addition to cricket, Vincent was also an accomplished badminton player.
Michael Olise revealed that his father’s influence extended beyond football, admitting that he also has a passion for cricket and table tennis. In a recent interview with FCBinside, the Bayern Munich star listed both sports among his personal favourites outside football.
The revelation offers fans a deeper understanding of the sporting pedigree behind one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers and highlights the rich multi-sport heritage within the Olise family.
While Michael chose to represent France on the international stage, his story remains closely connected to Nigeria through his family’s achievements and cultural roots.
As the Bayern Munich winger continues to establish himself among Europe’s elite players, his father’s remarkable cricket career serves as a reminder that Nigerian sporting excellence extends far beyond football.
Michael Olise may have made his name in football, but his family’s legacy also includes a proud chapter in Nigerian cricket history showcasing a remarkable tradition of sporting excellence across generations.
