Former Juventus midfielder Sunday Oliseh has shed light on what Nigerian footballers need to do to capture the attention of elite European clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United.
The Nigerian football icon believes that the current lack of Nigerian players in major transfer talks is closely tied to the national team’s recent challenges on the international stage.
Oliseh, who had a distinguished career with Nigeria’s national team, was part of the legendary squad that secured the country’s first World Cup appearance in 1994 and clinched the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in the same year. He also played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s victory at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, a triumph that propelled his club career forward, leading to stints with European powerhouses Ajax, Juventus, and Borussia Dortmund.
In a recent tweet, Oliseh highlighted the decline in top European clubs’ interest in Nigerian players, attributing it to the Super Eagles’ struggles in major international competitions.
Nigeria’s absence from the last FIFA World Cup and Olympics, coupled with a decade-long AFCON title drought, are significant factors that may be limiting the transfer opportunities for Nigerian players. Currently, no Nigerian international is playing for Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid, or Bayern Munich.
Responding to a tweet about Fiorentina’s signing of Moroccan defender Amir Richardson, who won bronze with Morocco at the Paris Olympics, Oliseh emphasized the strong link between national team success and interest from top clubs.
He stated, “For Nigerian players to start breaking back into top European clubs and enjoying the immense benefits that come with it—both for the nation and the players—there’s no secret; our players need to start winning and playing attractively at the national team level. Simple!”
For Nigerian players to start breaking back into top European clubs and the huge benefits that follow it both to the nation and to the players, there is no secret; Our players need to start winning things and playing attractively at the National team levels. Simple!! https://t.co/sUtqvsme1c
— Sunday Oliseh (@SundayOOliseh) August 13, 2024
Despite recent setbacks, Nigeria still boasts top talents like Victor Osimhen at Napoli, Ademola Lookman at Atalanta, Victor Boniface at Bayer Leverkusen, and Samuel Chukwueze at AC Milan. While Osimhen is rumored to be on the radar of Chelsea and Arsenal, Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke have recently joined Sevilla, the record holders of the Europa League.
