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SuperSport’s Tolani Agaba spoke with ex-Super Eagles coach after he resigned from his position. In the interview, Oliseh explained why he had no other option than to quit.
Excerpts
Supersport.com How are you holding up Sir ?
Oliseh Thank You very much for asking but I am well .
Supersport.com Thank you for granting us this audience, and we pray that you go ahead and speak from the heart on the matter of your resignation .
Oliseh Yes, I will. I resigned because the NFF have refused to take the business of the Super Eagles seriously. We have two games against Egypt shortly and I have requested time and again for technical reports from the NFF so as to prepare, I did not receive any. I consequently followed up with several emails, still no response. And this is their general practice, so I finally realized they do not actually care about the qualifiers, Super Eagles or our tournaments.
My players, staff and I have not been paid our entitlements, as I speak to you, my bank is yet to receive payment from my erstwhile employers. Some of my former staff and players are being owed six months. What then will motivate these players? I have not been paid for eight months. Players bonuses, daily expenses, gear for the National Team, Staff allowances for food, transportation, daily expenses for me and my players, nothing has come. In short I’ve been mostly spending my money on all these things.
How can a Nation as big and blessed as ours, day-in-day-out and from time immemorial not have the sense to finance her pride – namely the Super Eagles?
For instance at the last Nations Cup in Rwanda, the NFF did not show up for a very long time. We were all left to our devices, no support and no jerseys, boots, or even food. I wont even talk of my health and ticket fees.
Supersport.com But Sir you were aware of the situation having witnessed your predecessors’ struggles and issues and such, why take the job?
Oliseh I accepted because I wanted to serve my country. I wanted to stop the downward trend I had observed where the Super Eagles was concerned. I was aware that one of the causes of that trend was the interference of the Technical Committee which selects players for an incumbent Coach. Knowing that no Coach worth his salt anywhere would want anybody to select players for them, I deliberately had it stipulated in my contract before signing it will not be the case for me and my staff. Even so all these time, I have been clamored at and pressured to use players that will not serve our purpose any good.
The team we were building is very young , with a lot of potential, in fact in 2015 the Super Eagles were voted the third youngest National Team in the World, but people do not see that or praise the boys’ efforts.
Supersport.com Did you also notify your employers, the NFF via social media?
Oliseh No. I spoke with the Minister, in fact I wrote politely to the NFF via email, reminding them to pay for the services rendered so far. I also had the letter physically couriered to them. I listed 11 items which my salary is one.
Supersport.com Have you now been paid?
Oliseh As at the time I had my last encounter with them till now I am speaking to you, my bank is yet to notify me of any payments. I have now suited up legally. What kind of administration is it that you are hushed, threatened for asking to be paid what you are being owed? Many of my players cannot speak for fear of recrimination and not being called back to play for their country. Is this a Cartel or are we in the Army?
Supersport.com Whats next for Sunday Oliseh?
Oliseh I dont know yet, but when I do I know where to come and share it.
Supersport.com Thank you very much, God Bless and good luck