Oliseh Admits Regret Over Ignoring NFF Warning on Mikel, Recalls ‘Biggest Insult’
Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has admitted regretting his decision to ignore advice from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) regarding John Obi Mikel, Vincent Enyeama and Emmanuel Emenike during his time in charge of the national team.
Oliseh, speaking in a viral podcast interview, revealed that Mikel once snubbed a meeting he personally arranged in London, describing the incident as “one of the biggest insults” he experienced as Nigeria’s coach.
According to the former Juventus midfielder, the NFF had advised him against inviting the trio, citing concerns about their conduct and their impact on team harmony.
However, Oliseh said he attempted to build a working relationship with Mikel and Victor Moses by travelling from Belgium to the United Kingdom at his own expense to meet them.
While Moses attended the meeting and openly discussed issues affecting the team, Oliseh said Mikel neither showed up nor responded to his WhatsApp messages.
The former coach expressed disappointment over what he considered a lack of respect for his position, stressing that players must respect the authority of whoever is appointed to lead the national team.
Oliseh, however, praised Moses for his professionalism and honesty, saying their conversation helped him understand some of the problems within the Super Eagles camp.
“I regret not having listened to the NFF,” Oliseh admitted, reflecting on the controversy surrounding his handling of the three experienced internationals.
His latest revelations have reopened debate over his turbulent tenure as Super Eagles coach and the strained relationships that marked his time in charge.
