Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the Nigerian National Sports Commission, has publicly disagreed with former Nigeria international Sunday Oliseh over his criticism of striker Victor Osimhen and other members of the national team.
Oliseh had voiced sharp disapproval of Osimhen’s conduct during Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as well as the celebrations following the team’s third-place finish.
He described the actions of the Eagles’ players as a “disgrace” to the history of Nigerian football, igniting a wave of debate among fans and pundits.
Oliseh’s criticism also targeted Osimhen for reportedly engaging in a public spat with teammate Ademola Lookman during the same match, suggesting the incident reflected poorly on the squad’s discipline and professionalism.
Olopade urges respect for current players
In response, Olopade emphasized that while former stars deserve respect, they must also set a positive example for younger players rather than undermining them.
Speaking to Daily Post, he said: “I disagree with many of Oliseh’s recent statements, including his criticisms of Osimhen and others. Our former stars deserve respect, but they should also serve as role models for the younger generation rather than belittle them.”
Olopade’s remarks underline the need for balance between holding current players accountable and providing them with encouragement to grow and perform on the international stage.
Context: Eagles’ recent setbacks
The controversy comes after a challenging period for the Nigerian national team. The Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, finishing second in Group C before losing a playoff to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
They also fell short at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, claiming only third place after losing to Morocco on penalties in the semifinals and defeating Egypt in the third-place match, again via a penalty shootout.
Osimhen, currently playing for Galatasaray, is regarded as one of the top forwards globally and ranks among the 50 most valuable players in the world. Despite his status, he has not been immune to criticism, illustrating the pressure on Nigerian stars to perform consistently.
