Super Eagles: ‘Where did you play football that I didn’t play’ – Oliseh slams Obi Mikel

Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has disclosed that the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) advised him against inviting John Obi Mikel, Vincent Enyeama, and Emmanuel Emenike to the national team during his tenure. He characterized the three players as disruptive to both the NFF and the team, expressing regret for not heeding the federation’s warning.

In a recent podcast on X, Oliseh recounted his efforts to bring Mikel and Victor Moses together for a discussion in London as part of his responsibilities as national team coach. He alleged that Mikel did not attend the meeting, suggesting the midfielder held an inflated sense of importance due to his status at Chelsea.

“I regret not having listened to the NFF,” Oliseh said. “When I took over the job, they told me to stop inviting Mikel, Enyeama, and Emenike because of their chaotic influence.”

Oliseh shared details of his trip to the UK, which he financed personally, to facilitate the meeting. He noted that he sent messages to both Mikel and Moses, arranging for them to meet with him and his assistant coach at a centrally located bar.

“Of the two of them, who did not come to the meeting? Obi Mikel did not come,” he said, adding that Mikel failed to respond to his messages. “Maybe he thought, ‘I play for this big club now,’ but it shows a lack of respect.”

He emphasized that regardless of his playing career, the title of national team coach warrants respect for his position. Oliseh expressed disappointment at Mikel’s absence, calling it “one of the biggest insults,” though he remained unaffected emotionally.

Despite Mikel’s no-show, Oliseh stated that Moses participated in a productive discussion about issues affecting the national team. He reflected on the insights Moses shared, noting that they resonated with his own experiences, which contributed to his respect for the player.

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