Former Super Eagles captain and coach, Sunday Oliseh, has delivered a scathing critique of Nigeria’s football structure, declaring that the sport is “dead” in the country.
His comments come in the wake of widespread criticism of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Federal Government for their poor treatment of ex-international players.
Oliseh particularly expressed disappointment over the struggles faced by Nigerian football legends after retirement, citing the recent example of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai.
Poor Welfare for Ex-Internationals
The former Juventus and Ajax midfielder lamented the lack of adequate support systems for retired footballers, stressing that many are left abandoned despite dedicating their youth to the national team.
“If you are lucky as a footballer, you will play until 35. Except you are like Ronaldo or Messi, who can extend to 40. If you live up to 80, that leaves you with about 40 years after retirement. How much would you have earned to survive that long?” Oliseh asked.
He argued that in Nigeria, football has failed to provide long-term security for its heroes, unlike in developed football nations.
Even Sudan is Doing Better
Oliseh further questioned why a country as resourceful as Nigeria continues to struggle with building a sustainable system.
“The only work retired players can usually find is still in football. But in Nigeria, football is dead. Even countries at war, like Sudan, are putting up better fights than Nigeria in football,” he added.
Oliseh’s remarks echo the frustrations of other ex-internationals such as Taribo West, who recently blasted the NFF and the Federal Government for failing to honour Rufai adequately during his funeral.
A decorated midfielder, Oliseh won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria and is widely regarded as one of the continent’s greatest players.
