According to a report from SaharaReport, Super Eagles legend Sunday Oliseh has waded into the controversy surrounding the treatment of former Nigerian footballers, insisting that ex-professionals themselves are largely to blame for their struggles.
The debate resurfaced during the burial of legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who died on July 3, 2025, after a long illness and was laid to rest in Lagos on August 22. At the event, Taribo West criticised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Federal Government for neglecting Rufai.
His comments drew mixed reactions, with many Nigerians arguing that ex-internationals should take greater responsibility for their welfare.
Reacting on the Global Football Insights Podcast, Oliseh said the biggest problem lies within the former players. “One of the major problems we have are ourselves, ex-professional soccer players. We are one of the major problems,” he stated.
The former Super Eagles captain recalled being betrayed by teammates ahead of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. “I suffered betrayal and backstabbing in 2002 when I was captain.
I didn’t go to the World Cup, not because of something I did, but because I was fighting for other people to get their dues. That ganging up cost me my place.”
Oliseh stressed that the lack of unity among ex-internationals continues to weaken their collective voice and influence, both with the public and the government.
COURTESY: Dailys_Politics
