Oliseh made the remarks during his Sunday Oliseh’s Global Football Insights show, shortly after the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where Senegal emerged champions after defeating the hosts in the final.
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes were dashed in November after the Super Eagles lost to DR Congo in the playoff final. Following the defeat, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a petition with FIFA, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the match.
However, Oliseh believes the focus should be on Nigeria’s own shortcomings rather than protesting to FIFA.
“We fail to qualify for the 2026 World Cup on the pitch, where it actually matters. Instead of looking in the mirror and taking responsibility,” Oliseh said.
He continued:
“We see these desperate protests to FIFA, against DR Congo. Have we not realised what is happening here? Since the announcement of these protests, the conversation has shifted.
“Many are no longer pointing fingers at those truly responsible for our failure; instead, they are cursing DR Congo. DR Congo used these same players against Cameroon before even playing us, and they used them right here in the AFCON without any issues.
“We are trying to qualify [for the World Cup] through an office, instead of through goals, tactics and hard work.”
Oliseh’s comments add to the ongoing debate over Nigeria’s football administration and the team’s performance, highlighting concerns about accountability and the direction of the national team ahead of future competitions.