Super Eagles Legend Sunday Oliseh Reveals Why He Never Played as a Striker or Defensive Midfielder

• Sunday Oliseh says he grew up as a central midfielder and preferred to play in the middle of the pack during his active days
• The former Borussia Dortmund and ex-Juventus midfielder remains one of Africa’s best players in the central position
• According to him, the art of giving passes is his passion, saying he grew up as a number 10 and not as a defensive midfielder

Former Nigerian international Sunday Oliseh has divulged his reasons for not playing as a striker or defensive midfielder during his active days.

Oliseh, who played professionally between 1989 and 2006, is regarded as one of Africa’s best midfielders of all time and he has narrated why he did not play in a different position.

The former Super Eagles captain featured for a number of top European clubs, including Ajax, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus.

PSG players’ wives and girlfriends in 2024 with pictures

Football

In 1998, Oliseh was named Africa's third-best footballer by CAF. He stated that from his early days, he had always been someone who loved to provide for others on the pitch.

He told Edafe Matthew EseOghene in a special podcast on YouTube channel ATHLST:

“I got this joy out of giving passes. It’s not like I planned it, but I just liked it. The art of giving passes.

"I didn’t know it was what was going to feed me afterwards.

"I had the passing side from when I was in secondary school. In fact, I grew up as a number 10, not as a defensive midfielder."

Pulse Sports reports that British Journalist Jonathan Wilson had described Oliseh as an early example of a more creative interpretation of the defensive midfielder.

REVEALED! The top 20 dirtiest NBA players of all time

NBA

He stated that Oliseh was that kind of player who focused more on ball retention and passing than just looking to win back possession - something Oliseh said got honed after he left Nigeria for Europe.

Oliseh gets new coaching job

Sports Brief earlier reported that Oliseh returns to management as German side SV Straelen name the Nigerian as their new coach.

Since leaving Fortuna Sittard in 2018, Sunday Oliseh has been without a club although the Nigerian has been involving himself in punditry jobs.

Sunday Oliseh will sign a one-year deal with the side who are campaigning in the 4th tier of the German football.