Sunday Oliseh Slams Super Eagles’ AFCON Bronze Celebrations Warns Against Culture Of Mediocrity

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Former Super Eagles head coach, Sunday Oliseh, has openly criticised the Nigerian national team’s jubilant reaction to finishing third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), arguing that such celebrations promote a mindset of complacency in Nigerian football.

Oliseh’s remarks followed Nigeria’s 4-2 penalty shootout win over Egypt in the bronze medal match held in Morocco, which earned the Super Eagles their ninth third-place finish in AFCON history. While many fans welcomed the result, the former coach expressed disappointment over the manner in which the players celebrated the achievement, considering the nation’s rich football heritage and high expectations.

Speaking on the Global Football Insight Podcast, Oliseh revealed that football analysts from Africa and Europe were surprised by the level of excitement shown by the Nigerian players.

“Before the AFCON final in Rabat, a video surfaced showing our Super Eagles celebrating wildly after defeating Egypt to clinch third place,” he said. “From where I sat in the media section, I watched as pundits from both Africa and Europe openly mocked the scene. They simply couldn’t understand it.”

Oliseh went on to reflect on how the mentality within the national team has shifted over the years, stressing that the Super Eagles once set much higher benchmarks for success.

“There was a time when finishing second at AFCON brought tears because anything short of lifting the trophy was considered unacceptable,” he explained. “Now, celebrating third place sends the wrong message and encourages a culture of mediocrity.”