Former Super Eagles captain and head coach Sunday Oliseh has come under heavy criticism from Nigerian fans following his commentary during Nigeria’s 2–1 victory over Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
While the Super Eagles opened their Group C campaign with a hard-fought win, much of the post-match discussion shifted away from the result and toward Oliseh’s analysis on the broadcast, particularly his repeated criticism of Victor Osimhen.
Lookman shines as Nigeria edge Tanzania
Nigeria started the contest on the front foot, creating early chances through Akor Adams, who twice tested Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba, including a header that crashed against the crossbar.
Tanzania responded through Simon Msuva, forcing Stanley Nwabali into a save, while Osimhen came close after rounding the goalkeeper, only to see his effort cleared off the line.
The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi glanced Alex Iwobi’s corner into the net. Tanzania, however, struck back early in the second half as Charles M’Mombwa volleyed home an equaliser.
Nigeria’s response was swift. Ademola Lookman, fresh off being crowned 2024 CAF African Player of the Year, created space on the edge of the area and curled a superb left-footed strike into the far corner to restore Nigeria’s lead.
The Super Eagles continued to press, with Lookman, Iwobi and Osimhen all going close, before seeing out the game to secure three points.
Fans react to Oliseh’s Osimhen analysis
Despite the win, fans were unimpressed with Oliseh’s commentary, accusing the former midfielder of repeatedly singling out Osimhen for criticism over his finishing, touch and decision-making.
Social media reaction was swift and intense. One fan wrote on X, “Oliseh hates Osimhen. The commentary is brazy,” while another added, “Fantastic footballer, terrible manager, horrible pundit, disastrous commentator.” A third post read, “Sunday Oliseh can never say anything good about the Super Eagles. Analyse, yes but the negativity is too much.”
Statistically, Oliseh’s assessment was not entirely off the mark. According to Opta, Osimhen missed just one big chance, but by his own high standards, the Galatasaray striker delivered a quieter performance.
He appeared overly eager in front of goal and lacked his usual aggressive pressing, possibly due to tactical instructions aimed at managing his workload over the course of the tournament.
Nevertheless, many supporters felt the tone of the criticism overshadowed a positive team performance, turning what should have been a celebratory opening-night victory into a wider debate about punditry, balance, and how Nigeria’s biggest stars are assessed on the continental stage.
