Olopade Fires Back At Sunday Oliseh As Super Eagles AFCON Run Sparks Debate

The Super Eagles’ impressive outing at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco continues to generate conversations long after the final whistle. This time, the spotlight has shifted from the pitch to the pundits’ corner — and it’s getting spicy.

Director General of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has responded firmly to comments made by former Super Eagles captain and coach, Sunday Oliseh, who dismissed Nigeria’s third-place finish as “mediocrity” and questioned Victor Osimhen’s conduct during the semi-final loss to Morocco.

Rather than let the narrative linger, Olopade stepped in — and he didn’t mince words.

“Legends Must Mentor, Not Tear Down”

Speaking in an interview with Footy Africa, Olopade made it clear that while Oliseh’s legacy is unquestionable, his approach was problematic.

“I disagree with Oliseh on many of his comments, including his indictment of Osimhen. Our legends deserve respect, but they must act as mentors, not denigrate the younger generation.”

It was a pointed reminder that criticism, especially from icons of the game, should build rather than break.

Defending Osimhen: More Than Just A Striker

Olopade went further to highlight why Victor Osimhen’s influence extends beyond goals and assists.

“Osimhen is the second biggest brand in Nigeria after the Super Eagles. If we are branding Nigeria: Super Eagles are number one, Osimhen is number two, and the Super Falcons are number three.”

In an era where football intersects with branding, visibility, and national image, Olopade’s statement reframed the debate. Osimhen isn’t just Nigeria’s talisman on the pitch — he’s a global ambassador for Nigerian football.

The ‘Lost Bite’ Argument Falls Flat

Oliseh had also claimed that following the Mozambique incident, the team lost its edge and that Ademola Lookman became “a shadow of himself.”

But the numbers — and the eye test — tell a different story.

Nigeria:

• Went unbeaten throughout the tournament

• Scored a record 14 goals in a single AFCON

• Conceded just 13 goals overall

• Kept four consecutive clean sheets in knockout matches

Hardly the profile of a team that lost its bite.

A Call For Empathy, Not Amnesia

Olopade closed his response by urging Oliseh to remember his own journey — the highs, the controversies, and the lessons learned.

“Oliseh is a hero, his legacy is secure. But he must allow these youngsters to make mistakes and learn, just as he did.”

It was less a clapback and more a call for perspective.

Bigger Than Bronze

While debates rage over whether a third-place finish should be celebrated, one thing is clear: the Super Eagles are evolving. Under Eric Chelle, Nigeria has rediscovered its attacking identity, depth, and confidence — and the future looks promising.

Criticism will always be part of the game. But progress, context, and growth matter too.

And on that front, Nigeria is clearly moving forward.

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