Nigerian football legend Sunday Oliseh has aired a tell-all following the events of the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nation (AFCON) tournament in Morocco.
Oliseh, who represented the Super Eagles from 1993 to 2002, was criticised for his seemingly “harsh” commentary against Nigeria in their opening match versus Tanzania.
The former captain, on his YouTube channel Sunday Oliseh’s Global Football Insights, hit back at those who branded him as "unpatriotic" for his analysis of the Super Eagles, while also revealing that the same individuals tried to get him fired from his job as a global match consultant for CAF for the tournament.
"My loyalty is to the truth and the game, not to a false narrative," Oliseh explained, while arguing that being a professional means telling the truth about how a team is playing, even if it is your own country.
Oliseh also warned that Nigerian football is in trouble due to poor administration and discipline, and that many former players and coaches are still owed money for their hard work.
"If we don't fix the discipline and the administration, there won't be a Super Eagles left to support," he warned.
Oliseh also criticised striker Victor Osimhen over a heated on-field row with teammate Ademola Lookman, saying the incident damaged team unity and left players demoralised.
“You cannot expect a playmaker to perform miracles on the pitch when he has been demoralised by his own teammates,” he said.
“The conflict did its damage. We didn't just lose a game, we lost the psychological edge we needed to win.
He added, “Scoring goals for Nigeria doesn't give you a license to disrespect certified legends like Finidi George or Victor Ikpeba. It doesn't give you the right to disrespect coaches or teammates. If goals alone justified arrogance, what should the legends who actually put Nigeria at the pinnacle of world football, like Amokachi, Amunike, Okocha, Babangida, and I do? Walk on people's heads? No.”
The former midfielder then urged Nigeria’s players to resolve disputes inside the dressing room and for fans to temper criticism. He warned that turning small incidents into national crises only weakens the team’s chances in future tournaments.
