Sunday Oliseh, former captain and coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles, has voiced strong opposition to the ongoing practice of appointing foreign managers to lead the national football team. He argues that qualified Nigerian coaches are being unjustly overlooked despite their capabilities.
Oliseh emphasized that Nigerian coaches possess the necessary technical skills and experience to manage the Super Eagles and deserve a fair chance to do so.
“I am completely against the idea of not handing this role over to a Nigerian because we have competent Nigerians who can handle the job,” Oliseh stated during an interview on Channels Sports on Sunday.
His remarks come amid the current leadership of Éric Chelle, a French-born former Mali international, who was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in January 2025. Chelle took over from interim coach Augustine Eguavoen.
Since his appointment, Chelle has remained unbeaten in five matches, achieving three victories and two draws, including Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Russia in June.
Despite Chelle’s positive start, Oliseh questioned the long-term reliance on foreign coaches. He warned that continually appointing expatriates stifles local coaching development and reflects a lack of confidence in Nigerian talent.
Oliseh, who played as a defensive midfielder noted for his tactical acumen and physical presence, had stints with top European clubs such as Ajax, Borussia Dortmund, and Juventus.
During his tenure as the Super Eagles coach from 2015 to 2016, Oliseh lost only twice in 14 games before stepping down due to contract disputes and unpaid dues.
Beyond his concerns about coaching appointments, Oliseh criticized the current trend where team captains are not regular starters.
“This is an anomaly that began when captains started sitting on the bench,” he remarked.
“You cannot have your captain on the bench; it implies the assistant is leading the team. The captaincy of the Super Eagles is the most vital role in Nigerian football.”
Oliseh also spoke about the importance of tactical roles within the team, especially the defensive midfield position he once excelled in.
“I was the one who introduced young talents like Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Kelechi Iheanacho to the national team because they had the quality,” he said.
Focusing on the defensive midfield role, Oliseh highlighted the critical need for discipline and tactical understanding.
“Wilfred Ndidi is well-suited for that role. But to play it effectively, a player must be disciplined and follow clear tactical instructions,” he explained.
“This position is one of the most important on the pitch. It acts as the umbrella over the defenders.”
Oliseh’s statements come just three months ahead of Nigeria’s vital 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
Currently, the Super Eagles sit fourth in Group C, with seven points from four matches. They trail leaders South Africa by six points and must win all remaining games to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Since taking charge, Chelle has started with a win and a draw in the March qualifiers. However, with critical fixtures ahead against Rwanda, South Africa, Lesotho, and Benin Republic, pressure is intensifying on both the coach and the NFF to secure World Cup qualification for the first time since 2018.
