Sunday Oliseh’s fiery reaction to the appointment of a foreign Super Eagles coach has split fans, with many calling his stance outdated, disrespectful, and rooted in bitterness.
Sunday Oliseh’s outspoken reaction to the appointment of a foreign coach for the Super Eagles has ignited a fierce debate among Nigerian football fans.
While Oliseh refused to critique the new coach personally, he was clear that handing Nigeria’s most prestigious coaching job to a foreigner is “a sign of disrespect to the coaches and people of Nigeria.”
His stance reflects frustration that Nigerian coaches often struggle to find opportunities abroad, yet the national team’s top job is given to outsiders.
Fans clash over Oliseh: Outdated or Valid?
Oliseh’s comments have polarised fans. Many dismissed his opinion outright, with some saying it “doesn’t matter” and questioning his own legacy by pointing out that during his tenure as an indigenous coach, he “only ended up retiring Vincent Enyeama.”
Others felt his remarks were “rude and ridiculous,” noting the contradiction in him refusing to comment but then launching into a rant about the need to prioritise Nigerian coaches.
Critics also reminded Oliseh of past conflicts, saying, “He was even fighting with senior members of the team when he was coach. He needs to shut up sometimes.”
However, not everyone disagreed. Some fans acknowledged that Oliseh “has a point” but cautioned against appointing coaches solely based on nationality.
One supporter highlighted the changing landscape, noting that “England’s coach is German and a white man, Nigeria’s coach is black and Malian. I think it’s okay.”
Another fan suggested that Chelle, being from Mali and Ivory Coast, could be considered “a local coach” in the broader African context, urging Oliseh to “channel his energy into building a better system in Nigeria that produces more qualified coaches.”
Chelle’s appointment
Éric Chelle’s appointment in January 2025 as the first non-Nigerian African to lead the Super Eagles marked a new chapter for Nigerian football.
The Franco-Malian took over from Austin Eguavoen, who had steadied the ship following the shocking exit of Super Eagles Finidi George, who resigned after a short stint.
Despite Oliseh’s criticism, Chelle has made a solid start with two wins and three draws in five matches.
But the debate sparked by Oliseh’s comments highlights the tension between honouring local coaching talent and embracing a more globalised approach to football management.
