Oliseh Questions Excitement Over Super Eagles’ World Cup Playoff Spot

Oliseh Questions Excitement Over Super Eagles’ World Cup Playoff Spot

By BSN Sports 

Former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh, has voiced his concern over the widespread celebration following Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs, warning that the nation must not confuse progress with excellence, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Reacting to the team’s recent 4–0 victory over Benin Republic a result that reignited Nigeria’s qualification hopes, Oliseh acknowledged the positive outcome but stressed the need for higher expectations and long-term vision.

“We cannot be celebrating mediocrity,” Oliseh said. “With due respect, we should be picking the World Cup ticket outright. It's important we look at the situation on ground critically.”

He pointed out that the euphoric reaction may be driven by a generation of fans unfamiliar with Nigeria’s once-dominant footballing stature.

“Anyone under the age of 30 has never truly witnessed the golden era of Nigerian football. What they know is the recent trend—struggling to win matches and scraping through qualifiers. It’s crazy,” said the former Borussia Dortmund and Juventus midfielder.

Oliseh recalled that the Super Eagles’ first-ever meeting with South Africa ended in a 4–0 victory, suggesting that such results were once the standard not the exception.

He admitted, however, that the joy many fans felt is understandable given the team's fluctuating fortunes in recent months.

“Two months ago, people believed it was all over. So, to get this glimpse of hope it makes sense to feel some relief. And maybe, in the end, it’s justified to rejoice because our qualification fate is still in our own hands,” he added.

Oliseh, who was recently ruled out of CHAN-related engagements due to health issues, remains a respected voice in Nigerian football, known for his outspoken views and emphasis on professionalism and performance standards.