Former Super Eagles midfielder, Sunday Oliseh has cautioned Nigeria’s current generation of players that their repeated failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup could leave lasting damage on their international careers.
Nigeria, who missed the 2022 edition in Qatar, now risks failing to reach the 2026 World Cup in North America following a poor run in their qualifying campaign.
believes that while the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been plagued by structural and administrative shortcomings, the players themselves must take greater responsibility on the pitch.
“When we played together, there were always people like myself pushing from behind. The players must realize that they have to succeed in spite of the federation. They need to take responsibility and stay focused,” Oliseh said.
Also read: Sunday Oliseh Calls for NFF Overhaul
The former Super Eagles captain argued that failing to reach football’s biggest stage diminishes the legacies of otherwise talented players.
“At the end of the day, they are not aware of the damage they are doing to themselves. Some players have spent almost 10 years with the Super Eagles without playing in the World Cup.
“The current players already missed 2022, and if they fail again in 2026, that’s another four years gone. That is the damage they have done to themselves,” he warned.
Oliseh stressed that the solution lies in a collective effort between players, coaches, and administrators.
