The Director General of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has openly disagreed with comments made by former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh concerning Victor Osimhen and the national team.
Oliseh had recently criticised Osimhen’s conduct during Nigeria’s AFCON semi-final loss to Morocco and also faulted the Super Eagles players for celebrating their third-place finish, describing the act as a sign of “mediocrity.”
Reacting to the remarks, Bukola Olopade said he strongly opposed Oliseh’s views, stressing that the current generation of players deserves encouragement rather than public condemnation.
Speaking to Footy-Africa, Olopade said Oliseh and other football greats should act as mentors to younger players.
“I disagree with Oliseh on many of his comments, including his indictment of Osimhen and others,” Olopade said.
“Our superstars of yesterday deserve respect, but they must also take their place as mentors to the younger generation, not denigrate them.”
Defending Osimhen, Olopade highlighted the striker’s value to Nigerian football, both on and off the pitch.
He described the Napoli forward as one of the country’s most important sporting brands.
“Osimhen is the second biggest brand in Nigeria after the Super Eagles. If we are branding Nigeria, the Super Eagles are number one, Osimhen is number two, and the Super Falcons are number three,” he stated.
Olopade concluded by acknowledging Oliseh’s legacy while urging him to allow young players room to grow.
“Oliseh is a hero; his legacy is secure. But he must allow these youngsters to make mistakes and learn, just as he did,” he added.
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