NFF apologizes to Nigerians, blasts lying ex-Coach Oliseh

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has apologized to Nigerians over the sudden resignation of erstwhile Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh on last Thursday night and the attendant accusations and counter-accusations that have trailed the event.

The NFF, in its first official statement since the saga posted to its website on Monday, assured Nigerians that it would not let the development affect the national male team’s preparation for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

It said: “The NFF seizes the opportunity to apologise to Nigerians for the situation that we, through no fault of ours, find ourselves, but assures the teeming Super Eagles supporters that we shall patriotically remain committed to the success of the team.

“This is already evidenced by the swiftness with which we have reconstituted the coaching crew and received the assurances of the patriotism of the Super Eagles players who have vowed to fight for the Nigerian flag and spirit, and ensure that not only do we qualify for the African Nations Cup but also that our long term goals are not derailed.

“The NFF gives the foregoing assurances despite the circumstance which has arisen with the untimely resignation of Coach Sunday Oliseh….

“We thank the teeming patriotic supporters of the Super Eagles, seek your forgiveness if we have done any wrong, ask for your understanding of the very difficult financial situation under which we are working and above all request your continued support and prayers.

The NFF then slammed Oliseh for lying and also resigning suddenly as against the provisions in his contract such as giving a month’s notice while it also accused Oliseh of backing out of their agreement after collecting his salaries and other allowances.

“…the decision (to resign) was taken unilaterally without discussion with NFF or any of its officials or board members, without giving the requisite 1 (one) month notice as stipulated in his contract immediately after he was paid his arrears of salary and housing allowance after his request to travel across Europe to visit potential call ups for the matches against Egypt was approved by the President of the NFF and; despite the fact that we have crucial qualifying matches to play next month.”

The Federation claims that contrary to what is included in Oliseh’s letter, the national football body had lots of respect for him and gave him all the support that he needed.

“Mr. Sunday Oliseh in his letter of resignation and in various reports has talked about not being respected, and not getting the support of the NFF. The NFF categorically denies these allegations and notes that from the time of his employment the NFF had always shown him respect which, unfortunately, not always reciprocated.

“With regard to the allegation that he was not supported, it is pertinent to note that Mr. Oliseh himself had on numerous occasions expressed gratitude for the support he had received from the NFF and in particular from the NFF President and Vice Presidents.

“The NFF makes bold to say that he has been supported throughout his short tenure as the Super Eagles coach. Not only have his requests and choice of training camps been accepted, his choice of players have never been interfered with, his choice of venues have all but once been accepted and even where not accepted, an explanation was promptly given which was duly appreciated and accepted by the coach.”
The Federation also claims that Oliseh tore apart the national team with his management style, sacking people at will and that if the NFF had not stepped in, all the senior players in the team would have dumped it like erstwhile captain Vincent Enyeama.

“On resumption, Coach Oliseh wanted to sack the entire backroom staff of the Super Eagles including the media officer saying that he could not work with them. A potentially messy situation was aborted by the firm position of the General Secretary and the President on the matter.

“The coach virtually tore the team apart with his impulsive style of man management, for example if not for the way the NFF President and Vice Presidents handled the matter, his disagreement with erstwhile captain Vincent Enyeama would have seen all the senior players quit the Super Eagles.”