In a recent shocking revelation, Chelsea legend and former Super Eagles midfielder, John Mikel Obi, has labeled former Nigerian national team coach Sunday Oliseh as the worst manager he has ever played under. Obi’s scathing remarks come as a surprise to many, as Oliseh’s tenure as head coach was short-lived and marred with controversies.
Appointed in July 2015 as the successor to the late Stephen Keshi, Oliseh took charge of the Super Eagles with high hopes and expectations. However, his reign was marked by internal issues, player conflicts, and dismal performances on the field. After just eight months in charge, Oliseh resigned from his position, citing a lack of support from the Nigeria Football Federation.
Speaking in a recent interview, Mikel Obi, who enjoyed a successful international career with the Super Eagles, did not hold back his criticism of Oliseh’s managerial abilities. He claimed that the former coach had no respect for senior players and lacked the necessary expertise to lead the team successfully.
Obi stated, “Out of all the coaches I have played under, Oliseh was the worst. He did not understand the dynamics of managing a team at such a high level. His communication skills were poor, and he showed no respect for experienced players.” These strong words from an experienced player like Mikel Obi highlight the extent of the issues faced by the Super Eagles under Oliseh’s guidance.
During Oliseh’s brief tenure, the Nigerian national team experienced multiple setbacks, including a shock defeat to Guinea in the African Nations Championship, a disappointing performance at the 2016 African Nations Championship, and a failure to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
Since Oliseh’s departure, the Super Eagles have undergone significant improvements under the leadership of Gernot Rohr. The team has achieved notable successes, including qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and winning the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
As Mikel Obi’s comments continue to make waves in Nigerian football circles, it raises questions about the decision to appoint Oliseh and the subsequent consequences during his tenure. This revelation will undoubtedly fuel further debate on the importance of managerial expertise and players’ relationships in achieving success at the highest levels of international football.
In light of Mikel Obi’s scathing criticism, it remains to be seen how Sunday Oliseh will respond to these claims. Meanwhile, Nigerian football fans and pundits eagerly await his reaction and any further statements from both parties involved.
