Former Nigeria captain Sunday Oliseh believes the Super Eagles can reach a higher level if more players perform consistently at the top level of European football.
Oliseh pointed to Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman as examples of Nigerian players currently competing at the highest stage, particularly in the UEFA Champions League.
The pair are expected to play key roles for their respective clubs during the competition’s knockout rounds this season.
Sunday Oliseh. Photo Credit: Imago
Speaking on the Global Football Insights Podcast, Oliseh said Nigeria’s long-term success depends on producing more players competing regularly in elite club competitions.
“We have two top Nigerian players now doing well in the Champions League. We have Osimhen doing well in the Champions League, and we have Lookman doing exceptionally well, too,” Oliseh said.
He added that such players can inspire the rest of the national team.
“All we need now is for these two top players to lead the team and for the others to follow, and you will have it.”
Lookman.Photo Credit: Imago
Oliseh also emphasised the wider impact of having more Nigerian players competing in Europe’s biggest club competition.
“For the Super Eagles to get better, our players need to be doing well in the Champions League. That is the highest level,” he said.
“Then you get more publicity, more money coming in, more transfers, and people become more interested in your country. That is the holy grail of club football.”
Osimhen won the MVP award against Juventus in the UCL playoff. Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Midfielder Raphael Onyedika also impressed during the Champions League campaign with Belgian side Club Brugge.
However, his side were eliminated in the knockout play-off stage after losing to Lookman’s Atlético Madrid, ending their run in the competition.
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Oliseh believes more Nigerian players reaching that level of competition would significantly strengthen the Super Eagles in the coming years.
