Former Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh has voiced apprehensions regarding the potential downturn the Super Eagles might face after securing second place in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles have always boasted immense talent, but their inability to consistently perform at the highest level has been a recurring issue.
Ahead of the 2023 AFCON, doubts loomed over the team's quality as they faced difficulties securing victories.
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Oliseh ready to coach Super Eagles again but on one condition
Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh is open to a return to the national team following Jose Peseiro's departure.
However, they defied expectations by reaching the tournament final, only to suffer a narrow 2-1 defeat to hosts Cote d’Ivoire.
Oliseh's Worries
"The Super Eagles have always been one of the most talented teams on the continent, but over the years, they have often failed to reach the heights expected of them," Oliseh expressed, speaking to Channels TV.
He acknowledged the surprises the team brought during the last AFCON, reaching the final despite prior concerns about their form. However, he highlighted historical patterns, fearing a recurrence.
“We are at a dangerous point as a football country...Nigeria stopped winning and becoming relevant. We started celebrating ‘golden bronze’. But Keshi was able to come up and make up a team that won the 2013 AFCON," Oliseh reflected on the team's past.
Concerns and Caution
Oliseh emphasized the critical juncture the team is in, underscoring the need to avoid repeating history's downturns. "Oliseh’s fears are quite justified, as the Super Eagles are currently without a coach after Jose Peseiro left his position," the article noted.
"If the Nigeria Football Federation fail to get their acts together, the Super Eagles could experience a bad phase," the report concluded, echoing Oliseh's cautionary sentiments.