Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has outlined a clear pathway for Nigerian players to excel in top European leagues.
The former Nigeria coach emphasized the pivotal role of national team success in propelling players to greater heights.
Oliseh believes that consistent victories and eye-catching performances at the international level are essential for attracting the attention of top European clubs. He argued that a strong national team creates a platform for individual players to showcase their talents and ultimately secure lucrative moves.
“For Nigerian players to start breaking back into top European clubs and the huge benefits that follow it both to the nation and to the players, there is no secret; Our players need to start winning things and playing attractively at the National team levels. Simple!!” Oliseh stated in a recent post on X (formerly Twitter).
Pervasive decline beyond just Super Eagles vindicates Sunday Oliseh
Nigeria's footballing fortunes have taken a dramatic downturn in recent years, with the national team facing a crisis of confidence. The Super Eagles are on the verge of missing consecutive FIFA World Cups, a scenario that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.
The team's failure to qualify for major tournaments extends beyond the senior side. The Nigerian youth teams have also struggled to compete at the highest level, with the Olympic team missing out on the recent Paris Games.
The golden era of the 1990s, marked by the USA '94 World Cup qualification and the Olympic gold medal in 1996, seems like a distant memory.
Political instability, economic challenges, and poor governance have been cited as major factors contributing to the decline. The recruitment process within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has often been questioned, with accusations of favoritism and nepotism.
Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders in the game.
