Former Super Eagles captain and coach, Sunday Oliseh, has responded to criticism following his commentary during Nigeria’s 2–1 victory over Tanzania in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Oliseh, who provided analysis for the match, faced backlash from some fans who accused him of being overly critical of the Super Eagles, particularly star striker Victor Osimhen. Social media reactions included memes and comments suggesting bias, with some labeling his commentary as negative and unrelatable.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Oliseh expressed his disappointment over the allegations:
“I am deeply saddened by the recent suggestions on social media that my analysis of the Super Eagles’ performance against Tanzania stems from a lack of support for the team. For nearly 40 years, I have dedicated my life and career to the progress of Nigerian football. While my professional duty requires impartiality and objective critique, my heart remains firmly with the players and Coach Eric Chelle.”
He further emphasized that constructive criticism is intended as a tool for improvement and not a sign of disloyalty. Oliseh also highlighted the irony of being previously accused of being too supportive of the coaching staff, stating:
“Just recently, I was accused of being ‘too supportive’ of the coaching staff. To now be accused of the opposite suggests a misunderstanding of my role as an analyst. My loyalty to the Green and White is unwavering and requires no defence.”
As Nigeria prepares for their next Group C match against Tunisia on Saturday, Oliseh called for unity among fans and support for the team:
“Let us move past these distractions and unite in our support for the players. God bless Nigeria.
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