Former Juventus midfielder Sunday Oliseh has pinpointed the key factor Nigerian footballers need to draw the attention of top European clubs, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian legend believes that the current dearth of Nigerian players in major transfer discussions is closely linked to the national team’s recent struggles on the international stage.
Oliseh, who enjoyed a stellar career with Nigeria’s national team, was part of the historic squad that made the country’s first World Cup appearance in 1994 and lifted the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the same year.
He also played a crucial role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, an achievement that significantly boosted his club career, leading to moves to European giants Ajax, Juventus, and Borussia Dortmund.
In a recent tweet, Oliseh attributed the decline in top European clubs’ interest in Nigerian players to the Super Eagles’ failure to achieve success in major international tournaments.
Nigeria failed to appear at the last FIFA World Cup and Olympics, while there is an ongoing decade-long AFCON title drought, significant factors that could be limiting the transfer opportunities for Nigerian players.
There is no Nigerian international currently playing for Chelsea, Man United, Arsenal, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid, or Bayern Munich.
Responding to a tweet about Fiorentina’s signing of Moroccan defender Amir Richardson, who won bronze with Morocco in the Paris Olympics, Oliseh made a strong case for the correlation between national team success and club interest.
He stated, “For Nigerian players to start breaking back into top European clubs and the huge benefits that follow it both to the nation and to the players, there is no secret; Our players need to start winning things and playing attractively at the National team levels. Simple!!”
For Nigerian players to start breaking back into top European clubs and the huge benefits that follow it both to the nation and to the players, there is no secret; Our players need to start winning things and playing attractively at the National team levels. Simple!! https://t.co/sUtqvsme1c
— Sunday Oliseh (@SundayOOliseh) August 13, 2024
Despite the recent struggles, Nigeria still boast top talents such as Victor Osimhen at Napoli, Ademola Lookman at Atalanta, Victor Boniface at Bayer Leverkusen, and Samuel Chukwueze at AC Milan.
While Osimhen is rumoured to be on Chelsea and Arsenal’s radar, Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke have recently joined Sevilla, the Europa League record holders.