Former Tremendous Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has shared his ideas on the continuing debate in regards to the remedy of Nigeria’s retired footballers, saying the gamers themselves should take a big a part of the blame for his or her present state of affairs.
The dialogue got here up once more throughout the funeral of legendary Nigerian goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who handed away on July 3, 2025, after a protracted sickness. Rufai was buried in Lagos on August 22, and throughout the ceremony, former defender Taribo West publicly criticised the Nigeria Soccer Federation (NFF) and the Federal Authorities for neglecting the late soccer icon.
West’s feedback sparked blended reactions throughout the nation. Some individuals agreed along with his name for higher assist for retired gamers, whereas others identified that the shortage of unity and forward-thinking amongst former footballers was a key subject.
Talking on the World Soccer Insights podcast, Oliseh supported the latter view, saying that lots of the issues retired footballers face come from inside their very own ranks.
“One of many main issues we’ve are ourselves, ex-professional soccer gamers. We’re one of many main issues,” Oliseh mentioned.
The previous Juventus midfielder additionally shared his private expertise of betrayal throughout his time as Tremendous Eagles captain, significantly forward of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
“I suffered betrayal and backstabbing in 2002 once I was captain. I didn’t go to the World Cup, not due to one thing I did, however as a result of I used to be preventing for different individuals to get their dues. That ganging up value me my place,” he revealed.
Oliseh highlighted that the shortage of unity amongst former worldwide gamers has weakened their capacity to have an effect with each the general public and soccer authorities within the nation.
His feedback have introduced the difficulty of the welfare of Nigeria’s sporting heroes again into the highlight, as individuals proceed to debate the roles that each establishments and the gamers themselves play in guaranteeing that former athletes are revered and supported after retirement.
