Oliseh tips Eagles to go far

File: Former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh.

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Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh believes Nigeria have laid a strong foundation for a deep run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after opening their campaign with a vital victory in Fez, insisting the manner of the win reflects the team’s potential in Morocco, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Nigeria began their group campaign with a 2–1 win over Tanzania, with goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman securing three points and easing early pressure.

Speaking in an interview with Isemuan Iyomon in Fez, Oliseh stressed the importance of making a winning start at the tournament.

“It was very good. It was very important for Nigeria to start with a win, and I was particularly impressed by some players,” Oliseh said.

“Iwobi had a very good game, in fact the majority of the team did very well. When you start with a win like this, you should go far.”

Oliseh’s assessment carries weight given his standing in Nigerian football.

The 51-year-old was a key member of the country’s golden generation, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 and captaining the Super Eagles before retiring from international football in 2002.

The 1996 Olympic gold medallist has been present at the ongoing tournament as a television co-commentator, a role that recently drew criticism from some supporters who felt his analysis during Nigeria’s opener was overly harsh.

Oliseh has rejected those claims, saying on X that his commentary was objective and rooted in a desire to see the team improve, while reaffirming his loyalty to the players and head coach Eric Chelle.

“I am deeply saddened by the recent suggestions on social media,” Oliseh wrote.

“My heart remains firmly with the players and coach Eric Chelle. Constructive honesty is not a sign of dislike; it is a tool for improvement.”

Nigeria now face a far stiffer test against Tunisia in their next group match in Fez. Both teams won their opening fixtures, with Tunisia recording a 3–1 victory over Uganda, and the winner of Saturday’s encounter will be well placed to secure qualification for the round of 16.

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