By Daniel Edu
Sunday Oliseh, former coach of the Super Eagles, has issued a stark warning, suggesting that without prompt action, the national team could be headed for a downward spiral.
Oliseh, who led the Super Eagles from July 2015 to February 2016, highlighted the precarious situation facing the team. He took over coaching duties after the disappointment of the team’s absence from the 2015 AFCON tournament.
The recent history of the Super Eagles reflects a mix of highs and lows. Following their triumph in the 2013 AFCON under the late Stephen Keshi, the team experienced setbacks, failing to qualify for subsequent tournaments. Despite a strong tradition of success, exemplified by bronze medals in several editions, including 2002, 2004, and 2006, Nigeria’s footballing prowess has faced challenges in recent years.
The team showed promise with a third-place finish in the 2019 edition and a round of 16 exit in 2021. However, the disappointment of losing in the final of the 2023 tournament to Ivory Coast, coupled with the Nigeria Football Federation’s failure to renew the contract of coach Jose Peseiro, has left the team without a permanent leader.
Oliseh, who has thrown his hat in the ring for the coaching position, emphasized the urgency of addressing the potential decline of the Super Eagles. In an interview with Channels Television, he stressed the need for concerted efforts to prevent a recurrence of past setbacks.
“We are at a critical juncture in Nigerian football. Following my era, Nigeria’s success waned, and we became less relevant,” Oliseh remarked. “While Keshi managed to rejuvenate the team with the 2013 AFCON victory, subsequent failures to qualify for tournaments indicate a worrying trend. We must guard against another decline and work together to ensure the Super Eagles’ continued success.”
