Former Super Eagles captain and head coach Sunday Oliseh has delivered a scathing verdict on the state of Nigerian football, condemning the national team’s celebration of a third-place finish at AFCON 2025 as a betrayal of the country’s proud footballing heritage.
Speaking after Nigeria secured bronze with a victory over Egypt in Morocco, Oliseh described the scenes of celebration as deeply embarrassing, insisting they reflect a dangerous shift in mentality within the Super Eagles setup.
“We Used to Cry Over Second Place”
Oliseh, who attended the tournament as a media analyst, revealed that Nigeria’s bronze medal celebrations drew ridicule from international observers.
“In the media tribune where I sat, I watched African and European pundits mock us. They couldn’t believe it,” Oliseh said on his YouTube channel.
“There was a time when the Super Eagles shed tears at second place because anything but the trophy was failure. Celebrating third place builds a culture of mediocrity.”
The former Borussia Dortmund and Ajax midfielder warned that Nigeria’s gradual decline as a continental powerhouse began the moment bronze medals became acceptable, urging both the Nigeria Football Federation and players to abandon what he described as “wild celebrations” for anything short of gold.
Renewed Attack on Osimhen’s Conduct
Oliseh also doubled down on his earlier criticism of Victor Osimhen, reiterating claims that the Galatasaray striker’s conduct during the tournament damaged team unity.
He referenced Osimhen’s public altercation with Ademola Lookman in the Round of 16, describing it as a turning point that fractured the squad’s spirit.
According to Oliseh, while Osimhen remains a world-class forward, his behaviour created a toxic atmosphere that disrupted the balance of the team.
“That incident broke the spirit of the team,” Oliseh claimed.
“You cannot insult teammates publicly and expect harmony. Talent without discipline destroys structure.”
A Direct Rebuttal to Current Leadership
Oliseh’s remarks stand in sharp contrast to the position of current team leadership. Captain Wilfred Ndidi has repeatedly called for unity and stability, while head coach Eric Chelle expressed satisfaction with finishing on the podium.
Oliseh dismissed these views outright, describing them as signs of a “fundamental mental weakness” that must be confronted if Nigeria is to reclaim its status as Africa’s dominant force.
“We Are Becoming a Cautionary Tale”
The former Super Eagles boss, who also revealed that he and several ex-internationals are still owed outstanding payments for years of service, said he could no longer remain silent while Nigerian football drifts away from its identity.
“We need to get back to being respected,” Oliseh concluded.
“Victory is temporary, but character is permanent. Our football is at a crossroads, and it’s time to look in the mirror.”
A Debate That Will Not Fade
Oliseh’s comments have reignited debate among fans and analysts, splitting opinion between those who see his criticism as necessary truth-telling and others who view it as overly harsh given Nigeria’s turbulent football ecosystem.
One thing, however, is clear: his words have once again forced Nigerian football to confront uncomfortable questions about standards, leadership, and ambition questions that will linger long after AFCON 2025.
