Only top players will feature in Super Eagles

Former Super Eagles' captain Sunday Ogorchukwu Oliseh resumed live as Head Coach of the team on Wednesday, with a clear message to the generality of Nigerians: “I come to serve my country, not to wage a war.”

There were several questions and insinuations at Wednesday's colourful official presentation ceremony bothering on Oliseh's perceived 'stubbornness,' but the former captain swiftly differentiated between being principled and being stubborn.

“I have come to serve, and the NFF has promised to give me all the support I need to succeed. They are the employers and I am the employee. That distinction has to be appreciated at all times.

“I have had meetings with members of the Technical and Development Committee, led by Chief Anyansi-Agwu, very knowledgeable people all. I have met members of the Executive Committee and the General Secretary. I believe we will all work together excellently. It is a huge honour to be Head Coach of Nigeria.”

NFF President Amaju Pinnick presided over the event, supported by Vice Presidents Seyi Akinwunmi and Shehu Dikko, Executive Committee members Anyansi-Agwu, Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, Dilichukwu Onyedinma, Babagana Kalli and Ahmad Kawu, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and other members of NFF management, including Technical Director Shaibu Amodu.

As Pinnick announced to the audience that the NFF would immediately pay three months' salary of Oliseh and his assistants in advance, the member of the FIFA Technical

Meanwhile, New Nigeria coach has fired a warning he will only consider players who feature in the top leagues overseas.

Oliseh's predecessor Stephen Keshi was known to call up players from the lower leagues overseas.

But the new Eagles supremo said this must change.

"If you are not playing in first division in anywhere in the world and in Nigeria, you cannot play for the Super Eagles henceforth," Oliseh warned at a media presentation in Abuja on Wednesday.

"However players coming from the under-aged teams are the only exception to this rule."

Oliseh said it is an honour to lead the Eagles now as a coach, but he alone cannot turn around the footballing fortunes of the country.

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