Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has revealed that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) advised him not to invite Vincent Enyeama, John Obi Mikel and Emmanuel Emenike to the national team when he took charge in 2015.
Speaking in an interview with Elegbete TV, Oliseh claimed the federation told him the three senior players had experienced problems within the team, including during the tenure of his predecessor, the late Stephen Keshi.
However, Oliseh said he asked for an opportunity to speak with the players and explain his coaching philosophy before making a decision.
Oliseh’s attempts to reach the players
The former midfielder said he personally travelled to meet Enyeama, who was the Super Eagles captain at the time, to discuss his plans for the team.
Oliseh also claimed that he contacted Mikel Obi but received no response. He later travelled to London to arrange a meeting with Mikel and Victor Moses, but according to him, Moses attended while Mikel did not.
Oliseh described working with Emenike positively, saying the striker’s decision to retire from international football was one of his biggest regrets during his time as coach.
Oliseh managed the Super Eagles from July 2015 to February 2016 before resigning amid reported disagreements with the NFF.
