Former Nigeria captain and football analyst Sunday Oliseh has publicly addressed the wave of criticism he received following his commentary during the Super Eagles' opening match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Oliseh's Statement on Constructive Honesty
The 1994 AFCON winner released a detailed statement via social media platform X, expressing his disappointment at suggestions that his analysis was unsupportive of the national team. Oliseh emphasized that he has dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to Nigerian football and that his professional role requires impartial critique.
"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," Oliseh wrote. He clarified that his "heart remains firmly with the players and Coach Eric Chelle," but that constructive honesty is a tool for improvement born from a desire for national success.
The former Juventus midfielder also pointed out a perceived contradiction in the criticisms leveled against him, noting he was recently accused of being "too supportive" of the coaching staff. He concluded his statement with a call for unity: "Let us move past these distractions and unite in our support for the players."
Match Context: Nigeria's Narrow Victory
The controversy stems from Oliseh's commentary during Nigeria's 2-1 victory over Tanzania on Tuesday night, December 23. The match, played at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Morocco, saw the three-time AFCON champions secure a hard-fought win in their Group C opener.
Charles Mombwa had put the Taifa Stars ahead, but goals from Hull City defender Semi Ajayi and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman completed the comeback for the Super Eagles. The result temporarily placed Nigeria second in their group.
Earlier Praise for Debutant Over Stars
Prior to the statement, Oliseh had already stirred discussion by focusing his post-match praise on a debutant rather than the team's established stars. In his analysis, he notably commended the work rate of Sevilla forward Akor Adams, while downplaying the impact of more prominent players like Victor Osimhen and match-winner Ademola Lookman.
This selective praise, combined with his candid match commentary, appears to have been the catalyst for the backlash from a section of Nigerian fans who expected more celebratory remarks following a victory.
Oliseh, a respected figure in African football, has often been praised for his technical insight but his straightforward style has occasionally clashed with the expectations of passionate supporters. The incident highlights the delicate balance analysts must strike between professional objectivity and national pride during major tournaments like AFCON.
