Sunday Oliseh Salutes 1980 Super Eagles: “They Made Me Love Nigeria”
When Sunday Oliseh thinks about the origins of his love for the Super Eagles, his mind travels back to 1980—the year Nigeria claimed its first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
The former Super Eagles captain recently paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary 1980 squad, crediting them with inspiring his deep connection to the national team and the iconic green and white jersey.
Oliseh’s remarks came in response to a post by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) commemorating the 45th anniversary of that historic triumph. The NFF’s message celebrated Nigeria’s three AFCON victories (1980, 1994, and 2013) and honored the players who laid the foundation for the nation’s footballing legacy.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Oliseh reflected on the profound influence of the 1980 Green Eagles:
“This team was hugely responsible for my love of the Super Eagles green white green colours; Odegbami, Chukwu, Okala, Atuegbu, Muda Lawal, Nwosu, Owo Blow… They all had technical prowess, strength, and style. Naija sabi do things with style sha!!”
The 1980 squad, led by the charismatic Christian Chukwu and powered by the brilliance of Segun Odegbami, captured the nation’s imagination by defeating Algeria 3-0 in the final at the National Stadium in Lagos. Odegbami dazzled with two goals while Muda Lawal added the third, sealing a historic win on home soil.
For Oliseh, who played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s second AFCON triumph in 1994, the legacy of the 1980 team remains a powerful source of inspiration. He has consistently acknowledged how their technical finesse and stylish play left an indelible mark on his career and on Nigerian football as a whole.
As the Super Eagles continue their quest for a fourth continental crown, the memory of the 1980 heroes remains a beacon for future generations—a reminder that when it comes to football, “Naija sabi do things with style.”