Former Super Eagles captain and head coach, Sunday Ogochukwu Oliseh, has expressed his willingness to assist Nigeria’s national men’s football team in any capacity if approached by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Amidst the search for a new head coach, Oliseh, who had a brief tenure as the Super Eagles coach from July 2015 to February 2016, has offered his services to the team he once led both as a player and coach.
In an interview, Oliseh, 49, stated that he would be open to discussing a potential role with the NFF, emphasizing his deep commitment to Nigeria. “If my country tells me, ‘Sunny, we want to talk with you,’ I will discuss it with them because it is my country,” Oliseh said. “I served Nigeria for 10 years non-stop as a player, and eventually for three years as a captain. And in those 10 years, not once did I come late as a player, not once did I have a disciplinary problem.”
Oliseh’s tenure as Super Eagles coach was marked by significant challenges, but his dedication to Nigerian football has never wavered. Despite the difficulties he faced, he remains passionate about contributing to the team’s success, particularly as they aim to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “Maybe one of the reasons why I like Nigeria is that despite all those who make noise on social media, there are still so many who are appreciative of what we did for the country,” he noted. “Nigeria is our home. If we can’t serve Nigeria directly, we can serve indirectly.”
Oliseh also emphasized his readiness to provide technical analysis and support for the Super Eagles without any financial compensation. “If Nigeria comes to me and says, ‘We are playing this game, can you please give us a technical analysis of how the opponent plays as that is your expertise?’ I will do it without asking for one Euro, especially now, because Nigeria needs to qualify for the 2026 World Cup,” he affirmed.
The Super Eagles are currently without a coach following the resignation of Finidi George in June. As the NFF deliberates on whether to appoint a top-class foreign tactician or to rely on the experience of former Nigerian internationals, Oliseh’s offer comes at a crucial time. His extensive knowledge and experience could prove invaluable as Nigeria strives to return to the global football stage.
In addition to his coaching ambitions, Oliseh has been vocal about various issues affecting Nigerian football. Recently, he criticized former Super Eagles star Mikel Obi for comments made on a podcast about the ‘black tax’—an unstructured financial burden placed on successful individuals by their extended families. Oliseh felt that Mikel’s remarks were damaging and humiliating to his family, sparking a debate about the pressures faced by Nigerian athletes.
Oliseh’s willingness to support the Super Eagles reflects his enduring commitment to Nigerian football. His offer to provide technical assistance free of charge underscores his dedication to the national team’s success. As Nigeria continues its search for a new coach, Oliseh stands ready to contribute his expertise, driven by a deep sense of duty and patriotism.
Sunday Oliseh’s readiness to assist the Super Eagles in any capacity highlights his unwavering loyalty to Nigerian football. His expertise and commitment could be pivotal as the NFF seeks to strengthen the team ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With the right support and guidance, the Super Eagles have a strong chance of reclaiming their place on the world stage.
