Sunday Oliseh Raises Alarm Over Super Eagles Discipline Issues Under Eric Chelle
Former Nigeria international and football legend Sunday Oliseh has pointed to a significant problem within the Super Eagles squad following their performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Oliseh specifically highlighted issues of player indiscipline that he believes are undermining the team's potential under head coach Eric Chelle.
Nigeria's AFCON 2025 Campaign and Bronze Medal Achievement
The Super Eagles secured a bronze medal at the 35th edition of the continental tournament, defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties in the third-place match at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on January 17, 2025. Under the guidance of Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria recorded an impressive tournament run with five victories and three draws in regulation time, scoring 14 goals while conceding only four throughout the competition.
The team demonstrated remarkable defensive solidity, particularly during the knockout stages where they did not concede a single goal. Their campaign included victories over three North African opponents, with their only defeat coming against host nation Morocco in a penalty shootout following a tightly contested semifinal encounter.
Oliseh's Concerns About Team Discipline and Administration
Speaking on Global Football Insights, the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder expressed serious concerns about the current state of the national team. Oliseh emphasized that indiscipline among players remains a major challenge that requires urgent attention from the coaching staff and technical crew.
"I failed to make any comment during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament because I didn't want to be a distraction to the team," Oliseh explained. "I allowed the football to do the talking, but now that the trophy has been decided, it is time for the truth."
The 51-year-old AFCON winner warned that the situation could deteriorate further if not addressed promptly. "If we don't fix the discipline and the administration, there won't be a Super Eagles left to support in the future," he cautioned. "My colleagues and I have stayed silent for years, but I won't stay silent about the downfall of our football. We need to get back to being respected."
NFF's Support for Eric Chelle Despite Concerns
Despite these concerns raised by Oliseh, Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau has expressed confidence in coach Eric Chelle's leadership. Gusau confirmed that while the team's primary target was to win the AFCON trophy, the bronze medal achievement represented a commendable performance given the team's diligent display throughout the tournament.
The NFF president passed a vote of confidence in Chelle, indicating the federation's intention to continue with the current technical setup despite the discipline issues highlighted by former players.
Broader Context of Oliseh's Criticism
Oliseh's comments come as part of a broader critique he has made regarding Nigeria's performance at AFCON 2025. The former midfielder had previously suggested that striker Victor Osimhen's actions during the tournament may have contributed to Nigeria's failure to secure the championship title.
According to Oliseh, an incident involving Osimhen during Nigeria's match against Mozambique negatively affected teammate Ademola Lookman's focus and performance, potentially costing the team in their crucial semifinal encounter against Morocco.
The football legend's outspoken comments represent a growing concern among former Nigerian internationals about the direction of the national team, with many feeling compelled to speak out after years of observing what they perceive as a gradual decline in standards and discipline within the Super Eagles setup.
