'Oliseh hates Osimhen' — Fans slam Super Eagles legend’s commentary during Nigeria’s win over Tanzania

Nigeria kicked off their AFCON 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 win over Tanzania, but while Ademola Lookman’s brilliance stole the headlines on the pitch, Sunday Oliseh’s commentary stole the spotlight online for very different reasons.

Fans took to social media in droves, accusing the former Super Eagles captain of showing clear bias against Victor Osimhen throughout the broadcast.

The Super Eagles asserted their dominance early, carving out chances through Akor Adams, who tested Zuberi Foba twice, including a header that rattled the crossbar.

Tanzania briefly threatened when Simon Msuva forced a save from Stanley Nwabali, while Osimhen saw an effort cleared off the line after rounding the goalkeeper.

Nigeria’s pressure paid off when Semi Ajayi glanced Alex Iwobi’s corner into the net, though the lead was short-lived as Charles M’Mombwa volleyed home an equaliser early in the second half.

The response was immediate and decisive, with 2024 CAF African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman creating space on the edge of the box before curling a superb winner into the far corner.

The Super Eagles continued to create chances, with Lookman, Iwobi and Osimhen all going close, before Nigeria held firm late on to secure all three points and open Group C on a winning note.

Despite the victory, much of the post-match conversation centred on Sunday Oliseh’s analysis of Victor Osimhen. Fans felt the former Juventus midfielder repeatedly singled out the Galatasaray striker, criticising his missed chances, touches and decision-making.

One X user wrote, “Oliseh hates Osimhen. The commentary is brazy,” while another added, “Fantastic footballer, terrible manager, horrible pundit, disastrous commentator.” A third fan complained, “Sunday Oliseh can never say anything good about the Super Eagles! Yes, analyse, but man is too negative.”

Ironically, statistics suggested Oliseh wasn’t entirely wrong. Opta recorded Osimhen missing just one big chance, but visually, his display felt below his usual standards.

He appeared overly eager in front of goal, and lacked his trademark relentless pressing, possibly due to tactical instructions to conserve energy.

Still, for many fans, the tone of the criticism crossed the line, turning a winning night for Nigeria into a heated debate over punditry, perception, and how Super Eagles stars should be analysed on the biggest stage.