Sunday Oliseh: Former Borussia Dortmund Midfielder Sounds Warning to Nigeria on 'Parking the Bus'

• Sunday Oliseh has warned the Super Eagles against relying on a defensive formation
• The Super Eagles mainly used a 3-4-3 formation to make it to the AFCON 2023 final
• Oliseh highlighted the formations' flaws in securing the 2026 World Cup qualification

Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder, Sunday Oliseh, has warned the Super Eagles about their tactical approach ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Amidst mounting scrutiny, Jose Peseiro, who managed the team during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) introduced a unique tactical setup that propelled the team to the final.

Following a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea, Peseiro implemented a 3-4-3 formation to overcome formidable opponents, including tournament hosts Cote d'Ivoire, South Africa, and Cameroon.

The Portuguese manager has since left his role following the end of his contract, as reported by CAF Online.

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Oliseh lauded Nigeria’s progress during and post-AFCON, which elevated them to 28th in the FIFA World Rankings and among Africa's top three.

While commending the team's achievements, the former captain cautioned against over-reliance on the formation, highlighting its limitations in securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

“I think if we are going to go forward in the World Cup qualifiers, you cannot park the bus and win. This is where we have to now reorganize our game into a situation whereby we can score more goals fluently. Because we need goals to win and to qualify, that is why I feel we have improved,” he said, as quoted by Soccernet.

The Super Eagles are set to face South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo before travelling to tackle Benin Republic as part of their World Cup qualifiers campaign in June.

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has embarked on a quest for a new head coach.

Oliseh gives condition to return as Nigeria coach

Sports Brief reported that Oliseh was interested in returning to coach Nigeria.

His initial tenure as national team manager was short-lived, lasting only seven months before his departure due to reported grievances over working conditions.

He accused the NFF of contract violations, lack of support, unpaid wages, and lack of benefits for his players.