AFCON: Sunday Oliseh denies claims of not supporting Nigeria in their Group C opener

Former Nigerian senior men’s national team captain Sunday Oliseh has refuted reports circulating in the media claiming he did not support the Super Eagles in their win over Tanzania in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Tuesday.

​Oliseh, who served as a pundit during Nigeria’s 2-1 victory, had received backlash from fans who accused him of unfair criticism during the AFCON Group C opener.

On Wednesday night, the former international took to his X handle (formerly Twitter) to debunk the reports, stating that his constructive criticism should not be mistaken for a lack of support.

“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.

For nearly 40 years, I have dedicated my life and career to the progress of Nigerian football. While my professional duty requires impartiality and objective critique, my heart remains firmly with the players and Coach Eric Chelle.

Constructive honesty is not a sign of dislike; it is a tool for improvement born out of a desire to see our nation succeed.”

He further reminded the public that he was previously accused of being “too supportive,” labeling the current backlash as a distraction from the team’s goals.

“Just recently, I was accused of being “too supportive” of the coaching staff. To now be accused of the opposite suggests a misunderstanding of my role as an analyst. My loyalty to the Green and White is unwavering and requires no defense.

​Let us move past these distractions and unite in our support for the players.God bless Nigeria.”

Official Statement
​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.
​For nearly 40 years, I have dedicated my life and career to the progress of Nigerian…

— Sunday Oliseh (@SundayOOliseh) December 24, 2025

international playing career that spanned from 1993 to 2002, Oliseh was widely regarded as one of the finest defensive midfielders in the history of the Super Eagles. He was a key member of the 1994 AFCON-winning squad and was instrumental in the team’s historic Olympic gold medal victory at Atlanta 1996.

​After retiring, he served as head coach of the national team from 2015 to 2016. In May 2025, his expertise was recognized globally when he was appointed to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) as a member of the Football Advisory Panel.

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