Sunday Oliseh Slams NFF Over Foreign Coach Appointment, Demands Nigerian Leadership for Super Eagles

Former Super Eagles captain and midfield legend, Sunday Oliseh, has ignited fresh controversy in Nigerian football by openly rejecting the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) decision to appoint a foreign coach to lead the national team. In a passionate critique delivered on Sunday, June 15, 2025, Oliseh emphasized that Nigerian coaches possess the talent and experience needed to steer the Super Eagles to success—without foreign intervention.

Oliseh’s remarks came in response to the NFF’s appointment of French-born Eric Chelle, a former Mali international, as head coach earlier this year. Since taking over from interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, Chelle has led the Super Eagles in five matches with an impressive unbeaten run: three victories and two draws. Despite this, Oliseh insists that capable local coaches have been sidelined unjustly.

“I am totally against having that role not being handed over to a Nigerian because we have qualified Nigerians who can do that job,” Oliseh said.

He drew from his own experience as both a player and a coach, citing his role in unearthing Nigerian stars like Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Kelechi Iheanach “I was the one who brought in the young man Wilfred Ndidi. At the same time, I gave Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho their first call-ups because they had the quality,” he asserted.

But Oliseh’s concerns extend beyond the coaching bench. He also took aim at what he described as flawed leadership within the team, questioning why the team captain often starts matches from the bench—a practice he called unacceptable in elite football.

“You can’t have your captain sitting on the bench. It’s an anomaly,” he declared. “The Super Eagles’ role is the most important in Nigerian football.”

Highlighting the vital role of structure and tactics, Oliseh further stressed the significance of the defensive midfield position, lauding Ndidi’s potential but calling for discipline and clarity in instructions.

“The central defensive midfielder is one of the most important roles in football. You are the umbrella of the defenders,” he said. “A tactician is vital to ensure the player has clear-cut instructions.”

Oliseh’s fiery statements have once again thrown a spotlight on Nigeria’s persistent coaching conundrum, sparking debates across football circles. While Coach Chelle remains undefeated in his short tenure, questions about national pride, local competence, and team leadership continue to dominate discussions ahead of the Super Eagles’ next fixtures.

As fans and pundits look toward the future of Nigerian football, Oliseh’s call to reclaim the national team’s identity under homegrown leadership could mark the beginning of a new—and fiercely contested—chapter.