Oliseh: Africa Can Confidently Face Any Global Powerhouse

Former Super Eagles midfielder and coach Sunday Oliseh insists that Africa’s national sides are no longer intimidated by the giants of world football. Observing recent results such as Mauritania’s 3–1 win over South Africa and Sierra Leone holding Ivory Coast to a goalless draw he says this marks a turning point.

Oliseh highlights a shift in smaller nations’ mindset and preparation “They defend better now and prepare better for the ‘big nations’. Tanzania trained two weeks as a team in Turkey… whereas the latter’s two days preparations”.

He adds that tactical maturity has improved: “The general knowledge of the game amongst Smaller nations is much better now… they sometimes take the fight up to the faces of the big nations”.

A key factor in Africa’s rise, Oliseh believes, is the growing number of players earning experiences in competitive European leagues “Many smaller nations have now foreign based professionals… surprising the so‑called top nations when they meet”. He contrasts this with the decline of big‑nation representation top African countries now have fewer stars consistently plying their trade in Europe than in the past.

Oliseh emphasises that while smaller teams have evolved, traditional powerhouses must similarly elevate their game “Football nations rarely lose by 7–0 like as was the case in the past… it shows how matured all nations have become.” He concludes that the onus is on Africa’s leading countries Nigeria, Ivory Coast, South Africa to rediscover the levels that once made them dominant.

Editorial

We believe Sunday Oliseh’s remarks shine a spotlight on Africa’s football renaissance yet also issue a clarion call to do more. When underdog nations spend weeks in training camps and field tactically astute, physically resilient squads, they strip away the aura of invincibility that once shielded traditional giants. Their evolution isn’t accidental; it comes from deliberate planning, better coaching and strategic player deployment.

We must respect and applaud those smaller nations deploying foreign-based pros who arrive battle-hardened from European leagues. That experience brings more than skill it brings mental readiness and awareness of high-level tactics. It’s a step towards parity.

Yet, for powers like Nigeria and South Africa, more is demanded. No longer can past laurels mask present deficiencies. If we are to remain competitive, we must rebuild effective pathways from visionary academies and tactical frameworks to intelligent, emotionally agile coaching.

We advocate a two‑pronged approach: one, invest in infrastructure and coaching so we produce our own, not just import them two, embed planning that treats every match as a final, not a mere fixture. Without these shifts, Africa’s potential will remain untapped.

Oliseh’s message leaves no room for complacency. Africa has earned the right to stand tall now it’s time to ensure we have the structure, unity and ambition to sustain that ascent.

Did You Know?

1. Tanzania’s extended two‑week training camp in Turkey before facing Nigeria was seen as a strategic upgrade in their preparation.
2. Mauritania’s 3–1 victory over South Africa in AFCON qualifiers was one of the biggest upsets in recent African football history.
3. Nigeria’s ‘94 Super Eagles featured numerous foreign-based stars they remain the last African side to reach a World Cup round of 16 not relying solely on overseas players.
4. Sunday Oliseh scored one of the tournament’s best goals against Spain in the 1998 World Cup from a 25‑yard screamer.
5. Despite African dominance in skill and athleticism, Oliseh has repeatedly cited poor planning and late preparations as key factors holding the continent back in World Cups and AFCONs.