Former Super Eagles captain and Nigerian football legend, Sunday Oliseh has launched a stinging critique of Nigeria’s national team following a viral video showing players celebrating a third-place (bronze medal) finish at the just completed 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco.
Oliseh, a member of Nigeria’s golden generation, described the scenes as deeply troubling, warning that such celebrations reflect how far Nigerian football has drifted from its once uncompromising, title-driven standards.
“They Mocked Us” – Sunady Oliseh Reacts to Viral Bronze Celebration
Speaking on the issue, Oliseh revealed his shock at seeing Super Eagles players openly celebrating a third-place finish, particularly given Nigeria’s historic status as a continental powerhouse.
He recounted how the video drew ridicule from the international media present at the tournament.
“I will give you an example of what I meant. Before the final in Rabat, a video went viral of the Super Eagles celebrating winning third place against Egypt.”
“At the media tribune where I sat, both African and European journalists mocked us they couldn’t believe it,” Oliseh said.
According to the former captain, the reaction from neutral observers highlighted how unusual and alarming such celebrations appeared for a nation with Nigeria’s football pedigree.
“Anything But the Trophy Was Unacceptable” – Sunday Oliseh
Oliseh contrasted the current mindset with the culture that defined the Super Eagles during his playing days, when anything short of lifting the trophy was seen as outright failure.
“There was a time when the Super Eagles shed tears after finishing second, because to us, anything but the trophy was unacceptable.”
“Celebrating third place builds a culture of mediocrity.”
The former midfielder emphasized that Nigeria’s identity on the continental stage was built on relentless ambition, not consolation prizes.
“Our Decline Started with Bronze”- Oliseh Warns
Oliseh went further, issuing a stark warning that Nigeria’s gradual loss of dominance in African football can be traced back to a shift in expectations and standards.
“We must remember that the decline of our dominance started when we became content with bronze.”
“If we want to be Africa’s best again, wild celebrations for anything less than gold must stop immediately.”
He insisted that changing results begins with changing mentality, insisting that success must once again be measured by titles, not podium finishes.
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Sunday Oliseh’s Legendary Pedigree
Sunday Oliseh’s comments has been reacted to significantly, given his stature in Nigerian football history.
The former defensive midfielder enjoyed an illustrious club career across Europe, featuring for elite sides such as Ajax, Borussia Dortmund, and Juventus.
On the international stage, Oliseh was:
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A key member of Nigeria’s historic 1996 Olympic Games gold medal-winning team
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An Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner with the Super Eagles
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A former national team captain, embodying an era defined by pride, resilience, and an uncompromising hunger for trophies
