Former Super Eagles midfielder and coach Sunday Oliseh has ignited a storm of controversy with his recent comments criticizing the current crop of Nigerian internationals for their apparent lack of respect towards past legends.
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In a revealing interview on Elegbete TV, Oliseh attributed the disconnect between his generation and the newer players to a fundamental disrespect for those who paved the way.
Oliseh, who was a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s golden era during the 1994 World Cup, expressed his dismay at how the younger generation of players, including stars from the 2010s, interact with their predecessors. This criticism comes on the heels of a public outburst by current Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, who recently took to social media to vent his frustrations, adding fuel to the fire of generational discord.
Disrespect from Younger Players
Reflecting on the issue, Oliseh stated, “It boils down to respect. The current generations, the ones who see themselves as stars, have little respect for those who came before them, especially those who are bigger than them.” He reminisced about his own experiences, explaining how his cohort always showed deference to older players, such as Segun Odegbami and Christian Chukwu, by addressing them with honorifics like “Big Shegs” and “Chairman.”
Oliseh recounted a personal anecdote involving Odegbami, a hero of Nigeria’s 1980 AFCON triumph, who once wrote a critical article about him. Despite feeling hurt by the remarks, Oliseh chose to resolve the issue privately while maintaining respect for Odegbami, a sentiment he believes is missing in today’s players. “I didn’t go out there and start shouting Segun Odegbami. I called him and we discussed it privately, and he apologized. That respect stopped after our generation,” he lamented.
A Call for Unity and Respect
Oliseh’s comments underscore a deeper issue within Nigerian football, where the achievements and wisdom of past legends are often undervalued by emerging stars. This, according to Oliseh, contributes to ongoing rifts and misunderstandings between different generations of players, which could be detrimental to team unity and performance.
Offering a Lifeline to the Super Eagles
Amid the ongoing chaos within the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and following the disastrous tenure of interim coach Finidi George, Oliseh has offered to return as coach to help guide the Super Eagles out of their current predicament. George’s brief stint ended in disarray after just a month, following a disappointing draw against South Africa and a shocking defeat to Benin Republic in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
In a heartfelt plea, Oliseh expressed his willingness to contribute to the national team once again. “Let’s not deceive ourselves, I only have one country. Nothing brings me more joy than my people,” Oliseh said passionately. “If my country wants to speak with me, I will answer. I can also give technical assistance because we need to qualify for the World Cup.”
A Tumultuous Past and a Hopeful Future
Oliseh’s offer comes five years after his abrupt resignation as Super Eagles coach, where he cited contract violations, lack of support, and unpaid wages as his reasons for stepping down. Despite the rocky history, Oliseh seems ready to put the past behind him and focus on helping Nigeria achieve success on the international stage once more.
As the Super Eagles prepare for the challenges ahead, Oliseh’s potential return could bring much-needed experience and stability to a team currently mired in uncertainty and internal conflict. His call for respect and unity among players, past and present, could be the catalyst for bridging the generational divide and restoring pride and performance to Nigerian football.
