Oliseh - I started funding the team in 1996
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Oliseh - I started funding the team in 1996
‘I started funding the team in 1996’ - Oliseh opens up on his Super Eagles experience
The 45-year-old has touched on various matters regarding his time with the African giants, including how he saved them from a financial crisis
Nigeria legend Sunday Oliseh has opened up on his experience with the Super Eagles which spanned nine years.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder made 63 appearances for the West Africans before he was forced to retire from international duty in 2002.
Oliseh was a key member of the Super Eagles team that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia under Dutch tactician Clemens Westerhof.
He explained the tournament opened doors of opportunities for him as he secured a move to Italy to play for Reggiana, becoming the first Nigerian to feature in the Serie A.
“The 1994 Afcon was very special for me. In fact, it was my first major tournament for Nigeria in Tunisia and we had some great talents in the squad at that time,” Oliseh told the Punch.
“We were favourites heading into the tournament and we ended up winning it. On an individual note, it was the breakthrough for me at international level.
“I was blessed to be the one that gave the pass to the late Rashidi Yekini for our team’s first goal and I was also the one that gave Emmanuel Amuneke the final pass to score the winning goal in the final against Zambia.
“So, it was like I opened the tournament and closed it for my country. It was really exceptional and special for me. I was voted the player of the tournament by France Football and that was a confirmation that I could really go further with my game.
“That feat also propelled my move to Italy at that time. I was the first Nigerian footballer to play in the Serie A with Reggiana. It was the experiences I had playing with Liège, Koln and Reggiana that helped me a lot at the 1996 Olympics.”
Oliseh was also part of the squad that won the 1996 Olympic Gold medal in Atlanta and explained the numerous challenges they faced at the tournament and how he started funding the Nigeria national team.
“We were not confident but we knew we had a good team. We were just hungry. We were one of the first nations to arrive in Atlanta for the games and we had very little resources to prepare for the games,” he continued.
“We slept in motels. The Olympics was so difficult and it was at that time I started funding the team. Nigeria went there with no funds and I had to give my credit card to rent buses for us to go for training, there were so many sacrifices made but at the end of the day, it’s the highest medal I won as a footballer.
“We had players who wanted to make a point. We had talents like Austin Okocha, Tijani Babangida, Daniel Amokachi, Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Amuneke, Dosu Joseph and Celestine Babayaro. We had such a great team and we were ready to explode.
“We started the tournament well and had qualified from the group before our final game against Brazil. Our main aim was to kick Brazil out because they had already lost one game from their opening two games. But unfortunately, we lost.
“We defeated Mexico in the quarter-final in a game we totally dominated. The second meeting against Brazil was when we came on the scene and avenged our earlier defeat to reach the final. And then there was nothing better than winning the final, coming from 2-1 down to beat Argentina 3-2. It was special for us.”
Oliseh was dismissed from the national team after the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations in Mali and subsequently missed the World Cup that same year.
“The Nations Cup in Mali could simply be tagged the corruption tournament. It was all about corruption. Those in charge of the football body then were not prepared to share Fifa’s World Cup money with the players,” he added.
“That was the main issue, but they succeeded in deceiving the country that the players were indisciplined. The players didn’t get a dime. The entire €1m went to the federation. So, the only way the players didn’t get what they deserved was to get rid of the leader and that was me, and Finidi George.
“I approached the sports minister then that we were tired of being owed and it was unfair. All I heard was that for standing up to the minister you’re not going to captain the team to the World Cup. Finidi George was dropped because he was aware. It’s always been one man’s world against the NFF and the one man is wrong.
“I don’t [regret] because there’s nothing that happens by mistake. Even the 2002 World Cup in South Korea/ Japan, which ended being Nigeria’s worst performance at the Mundial, immortalised Sunday Oliseh and others as those who did well for the country in the past. And when they were not there, the team crashed.”
https://www.goal.com/en/news/i-started- ... 2yy93bvnz7
The 45-year-old has touched on various matters regarding his time with the African giants, including how he saved them from a financial crisis
Nigeria legend Sunday Oliseh has opened up on his experience with the Super Eagles which spanned nine years.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder made 63 appearances for the West Africans before he was forced to retire from international duty in 2002.
Oliseh was a key member of the Super Eagles team that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia under Dutch tactician Clemens Westerhof.
He explained the tournament opened doors of opportunities for him as he secured a move to Italy to play for Reggiana, becoming the first Nigerian to feature in the Serie A.
“The 1994 Afcon was very special for me. In fact, it was my first major tournament for Nigeria in Tunisia and we had some great talents in the squad at that time,” Oliseh told the Punch.
“We were favourites heading into the tournament and we ended up winning it. On an individual note, it was the breakthrough for me at international level.
“I was blessed to be the one that gave the pass to the late Rashidi Yekini for our team’s first goal and I was also the one that gave Emmanuel Amuneke the final pass to score the winning goal in the final against Zambia.
“So, it was like I opened the tournament and closed it for my country. It was really exceptional and special for me. I was voted the player of the tournament by France Football and that was a confirmation that I could really go further with my game.
“That feat also propelled my move to Italy at that time. I was the first Nigerian footballer to play in the Serie A with Reggiana. It was the experiences I had playing with Liège, Koln and Reggiana that helped me a lot at the 1996 Olympics.”
Oliseh was also part of the squad that won the 1996 Olympic Gold medal in Atlanta and explained the numerous challenges they faced at the tournament and how he started funding the Nigeria national team.
“We were not confident but we knew we had a good team. We were just hungry. We were one of the first nations to arrive in Atlanta for the games and we had very little resources to prepare for the games,” he continued.
“We slept in motels. The Olympics was so difficult and it was at that time I started funding the team. Nigeria went there with no funds and I had to give my credit card to rent buses for us to go for training, there were so many sacrifices made but at the end of the day, it’s the highest medal I won as a footballer.
“We had players who wanted to make a point. We had talents like Austin Okocha, Tijani Babangida, Daniel Amokachi, Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Amuneke, Dosu Joseph and Celestine Babayaro. We had such a great team and we were ready to explode.
“We started the tournament well and had qualified from the group before our final game against Brazil. Our main aim was to kick Brazil out because they had already lost one game from their opening two games. But unfortunately, we lost.
“We defeated Mexico in the quarter-final in a game we totally dominated. The second meeting against Brazil was when we came on the scene and avenged our earlier defeat to reach the final. And then there was nothing better than winning the final, coming from 2-1 down to beat Argentina 3-2. It was special for us.”
Oliseh was dismissed from the national team after the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations in Mali and subsequently missed the World Cup that same year.
“The Nations Cup in Mali could simply be tagged the corruption tournament. It was all about corruption. Those in charge of the football body then were not prepared to share Fifa’s World Cup money with the players,” he added.
“That was the main issue, but they succeeded in deceiving the country that the players were indisciplined. The players didn’t get a dime. The entire €1m went to the federation. So, the only way the players didn’t get what they deserved was to get rid of the leader and that was me, and Finidi George.
“I approached the sports minister then that we were tired of being owed and it was unfair. All I heard was that for standing up to the minister you’re not going to captain the team to the World Cup. Finidi George was dropped because he was aware. It’s always been one man’s world against the NFF and the one man is wrong.
“I don’t [regret] because there’s nothing that happens by mistake. Even the 2002 World Cup in South Korea/ Japan, which ended being Nigeria’s worst performance at the Mundial, immortalised Sunday Oliseh and others as those who did well for the country in the past. And when they were not there, the team crashed.”
https://www.goal.com/en/news/i-started- ... 2yy93bvnz7
Re: Oliseh - I started funding the team in 1996
this name is fast becomimg synonimous with repulsion
make peaceful change impossible make violent change inevitable.
"It depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is. If the--if he--if 'is' means is and never has been, that is not--that is one thing. If it means there is none, that was a completely true statement....Now, if someone had asked me on that day, are you having any kind of sexual relations with Ms. Lewinsky, that is, asked me a question in the present tense, I would have said no. And it would have been completely true."
"It depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is. If the--if he--if 'is' means is and never has been, that is not--that is one thing. If it means there is none, that was a completely true statement....Now, if someone had asked me on that day, are you having any kind of sexual relations with Ms. Lewinsky, that is, asked me a question in the present tense, I would have said no. And it would have been completely true."
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Senator WIRES
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Re: Oliseh - I started funding the team in 1996
do you really know him? apart from all you heard from people and what you read from newspapers! let us be careful on how we talk about people we don't know or have interaction with.jette1 wrote:this name is fast becomimg synonimous with repulsion
"BIAFRA is a FAILED Project!! "Biafranism tends to make people hard of intellectual hearing"-ohsee.
!
"the problem with you people is that you want every thing to be Igbo and you pronounce it Igbo and then force it to be Igbo" IKWERREMAN
"The trouble with you is that you are blinded by prejudice and only see what you want to see." CIC to Dr. SAB
"..there are a handful of mindless Igbos on this forum that are an embarrassment to themselves"CiC
!
"the problem with you people is that you want every thing to be Igbo and you pronounce it Igbo and then force it to be Igbo" IKWERREMAN
"The trouble with you is that you are blinded by prejudice and only see what you want to see." CIC to Dr. SAB
"..there are a handful of mindless Igbos on this forum that are an embarrassment to themselves"CiC
Re: Oliseh - I started funding the team in 1996
...corruption is Nigeria's middle name.
It's unending, and sadly will continue as those in office today are grooming those who will succeed them.
Some are here on CE.
It's unending, and sadly will continue as those in office today are grooming those who will succeed them.
Some are here on CE.
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Cellular
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Re: Oliseh - I started funding the team in 1996
He is 100% right. Also know that he put up his credit card to lodge the hotel in Abuja. Also bought training kits and balls. His credit card was usually the one used to hold rooms for the team.iworo wrote:‘I started funding the team in 1996’ - Oliseh opens up on his Super Eagles experience
The 45-year-old has touched on various matters regarding his time with the African giants, including how he saved them from a financial crisis
Nigeria legend Sunday Oliseh has opened up on his experience with the Super Eagles which spanned nine years.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder made 63 appearances for the West Africans before he was forced to retire from international duty in 2002.
Oliseh was a key member of the Super Eagles team that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia under Dutch tactician Clemens Westerhof.
He explained the tournament opened doors of opportunities for him as he secured a move to Italy to play for Reggiana, becoming the first Nigerian to feature in the Serie A.
“The 1994 Afcon was very special for me. In fact, it was my first major tournament for Nigeria in Tunisia and we had some great talents in the squad at that time,” Oliseh told the Punch.
“We were favourites heading into the tournament and we ended up winning it. On an individual note, it was the breakthrough for me at international level.
“I was blessed to be the one that gave the pass to the late Rashidi Yekini for our team’s first goal and I was also the one that gave Emmanuel Amuneke the final pass to score the winning goal in the final against Zambia.
“So, it was like I opened the tournament and closed it for my country. It was really exceptional and special for me. I was voted the player of the tournament by France Football and that was a confirmation that I could really go further with my game.
“That feat also propelled my move to Italy at that time. I was the first Nigerian footballer to play in the Serie A with Reggiana. It was the experiences I had playing with Liège, Koln and Reggiana that helped me a lot at the 1996 Olympics.”
Oliseh was also part of the squad that won the 1996 Olympic Gold medal in Atlanta and explained the numerous challenges they faced at the tournament and how he started funding the Nigeria national team.
“We were not confident but we knew we had a good team. We were just hungry. We were one of the first nations to arrive in Atlanta for the games and we had very little resources to prepare for the games,” he continued.
“We slept in motels. The Olympics was so difficult and it was at that time I started funding the team. Nigeria went there with no funds and I had to give my credit card to rent buses for us to go for training, there were so many sacrifices made but at the end of the day, it’s the highest medal I won as a footballer.
“We had players who wanted to make a point. We had talents like Austin Okocha, Tijani Babangida, Daniel Amokachi, Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Amuneke, Dosu Joseph and Celestine Babayaro. We had such a great team and we were ready to explode.
“We started the tournament well and had qualified from the group before our final game against Brazil. Our main aim was to kick Brazil out because they had already lost one game from their opening two games. But unfortunately, we lost.
“We defeated Mexico in the quarter-final in a game we totally dominated. The second meeting against Brazil was when we came on the scene and avenged our earlier defeat to reach the final. And then there was nothing better than winning the final, coming from 2-1 down to beat Argentina 3-2. It was special for us.”
Oliseh was dismissed from the national team after the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations in Mali and subsequently missed the World Cup that same year.
“The Nations Cup in Mali could simply be tagged the corruption tournament. It was all about corruption. Those in charge of the football body then were not prepared to share Fifa’s World Cup money with the players,” he added.
“That was the main issue, but they succeeded in deceiving the country that the players were indisciplined. The players didn’t get a dime. The entire €1m went to the federation. So, the only way the players didn’t get what they deserved was to get rid of the leader and that was me, and Finidi George.
“I approached the sports minister then that we were tired of being owed and it was unfair. All I heard was that for standing up to the minister you’re not going to captain the team to the World Cup. Finidi George was dropped because he was aware. It’s always been one man’s world against the NFF and the one man is wrong.
“I don’t [regret] because there’s nothing that happens by mistake. Even the 2002 World Cup in South Korea/ Japan, which ended being Nigeria’s worst performance at the Mundial, immortalised Sunday Oliseh and others as those who did well for the country in the past. And when they were not there, the team crashed.”
https://www.goal.com/en/news/i-started- ... 2yy93bvnz7
Bobo has suffered for the country and has earned his dues. I was shocked he went back to dealing with the NFF as headcoach when he doesn't have the temperament to deal with BS.
He has the freedom to castigate and denigrate the NFF. They have really shown him pepper. The last go-around, they tried to kill him. He is a true patriot.
I wish the Olisehs (Churchill, Sunny, Azubuike and Egutu should just focus on running a football academy and agent business and forget Naija Football Federation. They have sacrificed enough.
THERE WAS A COUNTRY...
...can't cry more than the bereaved!
Well done is better than well said!!!
...can't cry more than the bereaved!
Well done is better than well said!!!
Re: Oliseh - I started funding the team in 1996
I actually believe him...
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Bigpokey24
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Re: Oliseh - I started funding the team in 1996
what you wrote makes zero sensejette1 wrote:this name is fast becomimg synonimous with repulsion
SuperEagles
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© Bigpokey24, most loved on CE
My post are with no warranties and confers zero rights. Get out your feelings
It is not authorized by CyberEagles. You assume all risk for your use.
All rights aren't reserved
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Schillachi
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Re: Oliseh - I started funding the team in 1996
Sleeping in motels during the Olympics?iworo wrote:‘I started funding the team in 1996’ - Oliseh opens up on his Super Eagles experience
The 45-year-old has touched on various matters regarding his time with the African giants, including how he saved them from a financial crisis
Nigeria legend Sunday Oliseh has opened up on his experience with the Super Eagles which spanned nine years.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder made 63 appearances for the West Africans before he was forced to retire from international duty in 2002.
Oliseh was a key member of the Super Eagles team that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia under Dutch tactician Clemens Westerhof.
He explained the tournament opened doors of opportunities for him as he secured a move to Italy to play for Reggiana, becoming the first Nigerian to feature in the Serie A.
“The 1994 Afcon was very special for me. In fact, it was my first major tournament for Nigeria in Tunisia and we had some great talents in the squad at that time,” Oliseh told the Punch.
“We were favourites heading into the tournament and we ended up winning it. On an individual note, it was the breakthrough for me at international level.
“I was blessed to be the one that gave the pass to the late Rashidi Yekini for our team’s first goal and I was also the one that gave Emmanuel Amuneke the final pass to score the winning goal in the final against Zambia.
“So, it was like I opened the tournament and closed it for my country. It was really exceptional and special for me. I was voted the player of the tournament by France Football and that was a confirmation that I could really go further with my game.
“That feat also propelled my move to Italy at that time. I was the first Nigerian footballer to play in the Serie A with Reggiana. It was the experiences I had playing with Liège, Koln and Reggiana that helped me a lot at the 1996 Olympics.”
Oliseh was also part of the squad that won the 1996 Olympic Gold medal in Atlanta and explained the numerous challenges they faced at the tournament and how he started funding the Nigeria national team.
“We were not confident but we knew we had a good team. We were just hungry. We were one of the first nations to arrive in Atlanta for the games and we had very little resources to prepare for the games,” he continued.
“We slept in motels. The Olympics was so difficult and it was at that time I started funding the team. Nigeria went there with no funds and I had to give my credit card to rent buses for us to go for training, there were so many sacrifices made but at the end of the day, it’s the highest medal I won as a footballer.
“We had players who wanted to make a point. We had talents like Austin Okocha, Tijani Babangida, Daniel Amokachi, Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Amuneke, Dosu Joseph and Celestine Babayaro. We had such a great team and we were ready to explode.
“We started the tournament well and had qualified from the group before our final game against Brazil. Our main aim was to kick Brazil out because they had already lost one game from their opening two games. But unfortunately, we lost.
“We defeated Mexico in the quarter-final in a game we totally dominated. The second meeting against Brazil was when we came on the scene and avenged our earlier defeat to reach the final. And then there was nothing better than winning the final, coming from 2-1 down to beat Argentina 3-2. It was special for us.”
Oliseh was dismissed from the national team after the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations in Mali and subsequently missed the World Cup that same year.
“The Nations Cup in Mali could simply be tagged the corruption tournament. It was all about corruption. Those in charge of the football body then were not prepared to share Fifa’s World Cup money with the players,” he added.
“That was the main issue, but they succeeded in deceiving the country that the players were indisciplined. The players didn’t get a dime. The entire €1m went to the federation. So, the only way the players didn’t get what they deserved was to get rid of the leader and that was me, and Finidi George.
“I approached the sports minister then that we were tired of being owed and it was unfair. All I heard was that for standing up to the minister you’re not going to captain the team to the World Cup. Finidi George was dropped because he was aware. It’s always been one man’s world against the NFF and the one man is wrong.
“I don’t [regret] because there’s nothing that happens by mistake. Even the 2002 World Cup in South Korea/ Japan, which ended being Nigeria’s worst performance at the Mundial, immortalised Sunday Oliseh and others as those who did well for the country in the past. And when they were not there, the team crashed.”
https://www.goal.com/en/news/i-started- ... 2yy93bvnz7
Don’t they have pre-arranged athlete’s lodging 4 an Olympiad or am I mistaken?
And using his credit card 4 busing?
Wasn’t that all arranged under the organizers banner?
Sorry I could be wrong but this seems
really odd .... ‘Unless he’s talking ‘bout some things else
and I’m mis-reading him.
Re: Oliseh - I started funding the team in 1996
^some of the fames were played in Miami and Orlando, even the final game was not in ATL
Re: Oliseh - I started funding the team in 1996
...some sports are not fully funded or closely funded by the international Olympic committee, only marquee sports/events, track and field, big money making events (at least back then).Sleaky72 wrote:Sleeping in motels during the Olympics?iworo wrote:‘I started funding the team in 1996’ - Oliseh opens up on his Super Eagles experience
The 45-year-old has touched on various matters regarding his time with the African giants, including how he saved them from a financial crisis
Nigeria legend Sunday Oliseh has opened up on his experience with the Super Eagles which spanned nine years.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder made 63 appearances for the West Africans before he was forced to retire from international duty in 2002.
Oliseh was a key member of the Super Eagles team that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia under Dutch tactician Clemens Westerhof.
He explained the tournament opened doors of opportunities for him as he secured a move to Italy to play for Reggiana, becoming the first Nigerian to feature in the Serie A.
“The 1994 Afcon was very special for me. In fact, it was my first major tournament for Nigeria in Tunisia and we had some great talents in the squad at that time,” Oliseh told the Punch.
“We were favourites heading into the tournament and we ended up winning it. On an individual note, it was the breakthrough for me at international level.
“I was blessed to be the one that gave the pass to the late Rashidi Yekini for our team’s first goal and I was also the one that gave Emmanuel Amuneke the final pass to score the winning goal in the final against Zambia.
“So, it was like I opened the tournament and closed it for my country. It was really exceptional and special for me. I was voted the player of the tournament by France Football and that was a confirmation that I could really go further with my game.
“That feat also propelled my move to Italy at that time. I was the first Nigerian footballer to play in the Serie A with Reggiana. It was the experiences I had playing with Liège, Koln and Reggiana that helped me a lot at the 1996 Olympics.”
Oliseh was also part of the squad that won the 1996 Olympic Gold medal in Atlanta and explained the numerous challenges they faced at the tournament and how he started funding the Nigeria national team.
“We were not confident but we knew we had a good team. We were just hungry. We were one of the first nations to arrive in Atlanta for the games and we had very little resources to prepare for the games,” he continued.
“We slept in motels. The Olympics was so difficult and it was at that time I started funding the team. Nigeria went there with no funds and I had to give my credit card to rent buses for us to go for training, there were so many sacrifices made but at the end of the day, it’s the highest medal I won as a footballer.
“We had players who wanted to make a point. We had talents like Austin Okocha, Tijani Babangida, Daniel Amokachi, Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Amuneke, Dosu Joseph and Celestine Babayaro. We had such a great team and we were ready to explode.
“We started the tournament well and had qualified from the group before our final game against Brazil. Our main aim was to kick Brazil out because they had already lost one game from their opening two games. But unfortunately, we lost.
“We defeated Mexico in the quarter-final in a game we totally dominated. The second meeting against Brazil was when we came on the scene and avenged our earlier defeat to reach the final. And then there was nothing better than winning the final, coming from 2-1 down to beat Argentina 3-2. It was special for us.”
Oliseh was dismissed from the national team after the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations in Mali and subsequently missed the World Cup that same year.
“The Nations Cup in Mali could simply be tagged the corruption tournament. It was all about corruption. Those in charge of the football body then were not prepared to share Fifa’s World Cup money with the players,” he added.
“That was the main issue, but they succeeded in deceiving the country that the players were indisciplined. The players didn’t get a dime. The entire €1m went to the federation. So, the only way the players didn’t get what they deserved was to get rid of the leader and that was me, and Finidi George.
“I approached the sports minister then that we were tired of being owed and it was unfair. All I heard was that for standing up to the minister you’re not going to captain the team to the World Cup. Finidi George was dropped because he was aware. It’s always been one man’s world against the NFF and the one man is wrong.
“I don’t [regret] because there’s nothing that happens by mistake. Even the 2002 World Cup in South Korea/ Japan, which ended being Nigeria’s worst performance at the Mundial, immortalised Sunday Oliseh and others as those who did well for the country in the past. And when they were not there, the team crashed.”
https://www.goal.com/en/news/i-started- ... 2yy93bvnz7
Don’t they have pre-arranged athlete’s lodging 4 an Olympiad or am I mistaken?
And using his credit card 4 busing?
Wasn’t that all arranged under the organizers banner?
Sorry I could be wrong but this seems
really odd .... ‘Unless he’s talking ‘bout some things else
and I’m mis-reading him.
-
danfo driver
- Eaglet
- Posts: 27156
- Joined: Sun Dec 16, 2012 7:48 pm
Re: Oliseh - I started funding the team in 1996
jette1 wrote:this name is fast becomimg synonimous with repulsion
Typical number brother. A man who risked his life when he was sick to come on the pitch to defend our shirt! A man who put up his own money to defend our shirt! smh... If I am to say things about you, it will be unpleasant. So, I'll leave it unsaid.
"it is better to be excited now and disappointed later, than it is to be disappointed now and later." - Marcus Aurelius, 178AD
metalalloy wrote: Does the SE have Gray, Mahrez or Albrighton on our team or players of their caliber?
Re: Oliseh - I started funding the team in 1996
So you can confidently tell me that no accommodation was provided by the IOC,mcal wrote:...some sports are not fully funded or closely funded by the international Olympic committee, only marquee sports/events, track and field, big money making events (at least back then).Sleaky72 wrote:Sleeping in motels during the Olympics?iworo wrote:‘I started funding the team in 1996’ - Oliseh opens up on his Super Eagles experience
The 45-year-old has touched on various matters regarding his time with the African giants, including how he saved them from a financial crisis
Nigeria legend Sunday Oliseh has opened up on his experience with the Super Eagles which spanned nine years.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder made 63 appearances for the West Africans before he was forced to retire from international duty in 2002.
Oliseh was a key member of the Super Eagles team that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia under Dutch tactician Clemens Westerhof.
He explained the tournament opened doors of opportunities for him as he secured a move to Italy to play for Reggiana, becoming the first Nigerian to feature in the Serie A.
“The 1994 Afcon was very special for me. In fact, it was my first major tournament for Nigeria in Tunisia and we had some great talents in the squad at that time,” Oliseh told the Punch.
“We were favourites heading into the tournament and we ended up winning it. On an individual note, it was the breakthrough for me at international level.
“I was blessed to be the one that gave the pass to the late Rashidi Yekini for our team’s first goal and I was also the one that gave Emmanuel Amuneke the final pass to score the winning goal in the final against Zambia.
“So, it was like I opened the tournament and closed it for my country. It was really exceptional and special for me. I was voted the player of the tournament by France Football and that was a confirmation that I could really go further with my game.
“That feat also propelled my move to Italy at that time. I was the first Nigerian footballer to play in the Serie A with Reggiana. It was the experiences I had playing with Liège, Koln and Reggiana that helped me a lot at the 1996 Olympics.”
Oliseh was also part of the squad that won the 1996 Olympic Gold medal in Atlanta and explained the numerous challenges they faced at the tournament and how he started funding the Nigeria national team.
“We were not confident but we knew we had a good team. We were just hungry. We were one of the first nations to arrive in Atlanta for the games and we had very little resources to prepare for the games,” he continued.
“We slept in motels. The Olympics was so difficult and it was at that time I started funding the team. Nigeria went there with no funds and I had to give my credit card to rent buses for us to go for training, there were so many sacrifices made but at the end of the day, it’s the highest medal I won as a footballer.
“We had players who wanted to make a point. We had talents like Austin Okocha, Tijani Babangida, Daniel Amokachi, Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Amuneke, Dosu Joseph and Celestine Babayaro. We had such a great team and we were ready to explode.
“We started the tournament well and had qualified from the group before our final game against Brazil. Our main aim was to kick Brazil out because they had already lost one game from their opening two games. But unfortunately, we lost.
“We defeated Mexico in the quarter-final in a game we totally dominated. The second meeting against Brazil was when we came on the scene and avenged our earlier defeat to reach the final. And then there was nothing better than winning the final, coming from 2-1 down to beat Argentina 3-2. It was special for us.”
Oliseh was dismissed from the national team after the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations in Mali and subsequently missed the World Cup that same year.
“The Nations Cup in Mali could simply be tagged the corruption tournament. It was all about corruption. Those in charge of the football body then were not prepared to share Fifa’s World Cup money with the players,” he added.
“That was the main issue, but they succeeded in deceiving the country that the players were indisciplined. The players didn’t get a dime. The entire €1m went to the federation. So, the only way the players didn’t get what they deserved was to get rid of the leader and that was me, and Finidi George.
“I approached the sports minister then that we were tired of being owed and it was unfair. All I heard was that for standing up to the minister you’re not going to captain the team to the World Cup. Finidi George was dropped because he was aware. It’s always been one man’s world against the NFF and the one man is wrong.
“I don’t [regret] because there’s nothing that happens by mistake. Even the 2002 World Cup in South Korea/ Japan, which ended being Nigeria’s worst performance at the Mundial, immortalised Sunday Oliseh and others as those who did well for the country in the past. And when they were not there, the team crashed.”
https://www.goal.com/en/news/i-started- ... 2yy93bvnz7
Don’t they have pre-arranged athlete’s lodging 4 an Olympiad or am I mistaken?
And using his credit card 4 busing?
Wasn’t that all arranged under the organizers banner?
Sorry I could be wrong but this seems
really odd .... ‘Unless he’s talking ‘bout some things else
and I’m mis-reading him.
and Nigeria had 2 stay in motels? For the Olympics in the states?
Nah sorry but I’m a lil skeptical.
Not saying u ain’t right, but this is a lil strange.
Re: Oliseh - I started funding the team in 1996
Oliseh is spot on. I might not agree with everything he did as a coach but he is spot on about his sacrifices. Even as a coach I'd take him over our corrupt administrators anyday. He will still have a great career as a manager or pundit.
Re: Oliseh - I started funding the team in 1996
Oliseh's story of 2002 exemplifies tough choices people have to make in life.
Oliseh and Finidi were scapegoated for fighting for the players, and the players (Okocha, Taribo, Kanu especially) should have boycotted the WC in solidarity.
But Okocha and Taribo especially desperately needed new contracts as their prior ones had expired. So they chose to play.
In hindsight, I don't think they regret it....though it was dishonorable
Oliseh and Finidi were scapegoated for fighting for the players, and the players (Okocha, Taribo, Kanu especially) should have boycotted the WC in solidarity.
But Okocha and Taribo especially desperately needed new contracts as their prior ones had expired. So they chose to play.
In hindsight, I don't think they regret it....though it was dishonorable
If purge dey worry you, you no dey select toilet
Re: Oliseh - I started funding the team in 1996
...remember this was 1996, many years ago, soccer/football was not that big on the IO agenda.Sleaky72 wrote:So you can confidently tell me that no accommodation was provided by the IOC,mcal wrote:...some sports are not fully funded or closely funded by the international Olympic committee, only marquee sports/events, track and field, big money making events (at least back then).
and Nigeria had 2 stay in motels? For the Olympics in the states?
Nah sorry but I’m a lil skeptical.
Not saying u ain’t right, but this is a lil strange.