Former Super Eagles captain and coach, Sunday Oliseh, has launched a strong rebuke against the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), questioning their insistence on employing foreign coaches for the national team.

Oliseh, known for his uncompromising stance on Nigerian football matters, argued that if the NFF believes foreigners are better equipped to handle the Super Eagles, then the federation’s leadership itself should also be replaced with foreigners.

The ex-Juventus midfielder blamed Nigeria’s unimpressive performance in the CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on the decision to stick with a foreign coach. With just two games left, the Super Eagles sit third in Group C on 11 points, trailing South Africa (17 points) and Benin Republic (14 points).

The latest 1-1 draw against South Africa in Uyo has further dented Nigeria’s chances of booking a place at the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. For Oliseh, this is evidence that the problem lies with poor decision-making at the administrative level.

“I’m a fan of the Nigerian brand,” Oliseh declared. “I am totally against foreigners running our national team. Any Nigerian who supports otherwise should return their passport. If we accept that another race is better than us in managing our football, then why stop there? Let’s also bring foreigners to head the NFF. Maybe then they will understand they are killing the pride of Nigeria.”

Oliseh further stressed that Malian coach Eric Chelle is no better than several qualified Nigerian Grade A coaches, insisting the federation must learn to trust its own people.

The Super Eagles face a defining moment next month with decisive fixtures against Lesotho in South Africa and Benin Republic at home in Uyo.