Former Nigeria international and respected coach Sunday Oliseh has made it clear he does not support the idea of foreign managers handling the Super Eagles. Speaking on Channels Sports, he said he finds it hard to understand why qualified Nigerian coaches continue to be sidelined in favor of foreign hires.
Oliseh’s comment comes in response to the appointment of Eric Chelle, a French-born former Mali international, as head coach of Nigeria’s senior national team. Chelle took over from Augustine Eguavoen, who was serving on an interim basis. While Chelle remains unbeaten after five matches, Oliseh believes Nigerian talent is being ignored without just cause.
“I am completely against this choice,” Oliseh stated firmly. “We have Nigerians who are more than capable of taking that job. It should be a Nigerian leading our team.”
Oliseh used the opportunity to highlight his own contributions during his tenure. He referenced key players he introduced to the national team, such as Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Kelechi Iheanacho. According to him, spotting talent and giving them the chance to shine was never about nationality but about understanding the game and having a clear football vision.
He did not hold back in criticizing the leadership structure of the Super Eagles either. One major issue for him was the trend of having captains who are often benched, which he called a major flaw.
“You cannot have your captain sitting on the bench. That’s not leadership. It ends up confusing the chain of command,” he added.
He stressed that the Super Eagles captain must be a consistent starter, not someone who only leads from the sidelines. To Oliseh, the captain is the heart of the team, and benching him breaks team spirit.
On the subject of tactics and discipline, Oliseh praised Wilfred Ndidi’s work in the midfield, especially in a defensive role. But he warned that the position demands more than just raw talent.
“To play that role well, you need high discipline and clear instructions. That is why having a proper tactician matters. This is one of the most crucial roles on the pitch. You are the umbrella for the defenders,” he said.
Oliseh’s words have reopened debate among fans and football insiders. With his experience and track record, many believe his concerns deserve serious attention. Whether or not his view will influence future decisions by the Nigeria Football Federation remains to be seen.
