Sunday Oliseh is a Nigerian football legend whose name resonates with fans of African and European football. Known for his rocket-like shots, sharp game intelligence, and commanding presence, Oliseh carved out a remarkable career as a midfielder and later as a coach.
From his unforgettable 1998 World Cup screamer against Spain to leading Nigeria’s Super Eagles, his story is one of grit, talent, and breaking barriers.
Early Life and Background
Born on September 14, 1974, in Abavo, Delta State, Nigeria, Sunday Ogochukwu Oliseh grew up in a tight-knit Catholic family. The second son of Mr. and Mrs. Oliseh, he was raised in Lagos’ lively Festac Town.
His dad, a former goalkeeper turned accountant, wasn’t thrilled about Sunday chasing football dreams, pushing him toward academics instead. But Sunday was unstoppable.
He’d kick makeshift balls around the streets, his passion burning bright. Even so, he aced school, graduating top of his class at Bright Starr Nursery and Primary School, Ajao Estate High School, and Methodist Boys High School in Lagos. This knack for balancing books and ball laid the groundwork for his disciplined career.
At 15, Sunday’s talent shone at Julius Berger FC under coach Joe Erico. A Belgian agent, Claude Bissot, spotted him in 1990 and whisked him to RFC Liège for trials. Sunday didn’t just pass—he signed with the first team, kicking off a journey that would take him across Europe.
Football Career: A Stellar Journey Across Europe
Oliseh’s 17-year playing career was a masterclass in versatility and tenacity. As a defensive midfielder, he wasn’t just a destroyer—he could dictate play, spray passes, and unleash long-range rockets.
His time with clubs in Nigeria, Belgium, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Nigeria’s national team cemented his reputation as a global star.
Club Career
At just 15, Sunday broke into the professional scene with Julius Berger FC (1989–1990), catching the eye of European scouts. His talent led him to RFC Liège (1990–1994) in Belgium, where he played 75 games, scored three goals, and learned the nuances of European football under the guidance of Nigerian legend Stephen Keshi.
A move to Italy’s AC Reggiana (1994–1995) followed, where his brief Serie A stint—29 games, one goal—proved he could compete at the elite level. In Germany, he joined 1. FC Köln (1995–1997), making 54 appearances, scoring four times, and winning fans with his gritty displays.
Transfer to Ajax & becoming a household name
Joining Ajax (1997–1999) was a career highlight; in 54 games, he netted eight goals, clinching the Eredivisie (1997–98) and two KNVB Cups (1997–98, 1998–99). A stint at Juventus (1999–2000) saw him limited to eight games, but he contributed to their 1999 UEFA Intertoto Cup success.
At Borussia Dortmund (2000–2004), he played 53 matches, won the Bundesliga (2001–02), and reached the UEFA Cup final (2001–02), though a controversial head-butting incident with teammate Vahid Hashemian, linked to alleged racial remarks, led to his 2004 departure.
During a loan at VfL Bochum (2003–2004), he made 32 appearances and scored once. Sunday retired with KRC Genk (2005–2006) after 16 games, closing a remarkable chapter.
Sunday Oliseh: International Career
From 1993 to 2002, Oliseh earned 55 caps for Nigeria, scoring four goals, with moments that defined his legacy. In 1994, he helped Nigeria win the African Cup of Nations, a golden chapter for the Super Eagles.
His role in Nigeria’s historic 1996 Olympic gold medal win in Atlanta showcased his global prowess. At the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, he etched his name in history with a 25-yard rocket against Spain in 1998, securing a 3–2 upset and Nigeria’s most iconic World Cup moment.
That year, the Confederation of African Football named him Africa’s third-best player. As captain in the 2002 African Cup of Nations, he led Nigeria to bronze, but disciplinary issues resulted in his exclusion from the 2002 World Cup, prompting his international retirement.
Journey into management
After hanging up his boots in 2006, Sunday Oliseh didn’t slow down. He earned a coaching diploma and a business management degree, diving into management with the same fire he brought to the pitch.
His coaching journey began with RCS Verviers (2007–2009), where he cut his teeth with Belgium’s third-division youth teams, rising to chief coach by 2008. He later took on chief coach and club manager roles at RCS Visé (2014–2015), also in Belgium’s third tier.
In 2015, he became head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles (2015–2016), managing 14 games with only two losses, 19 goals scored, and six conceded.
He guided Nigeria to the 2016 CHAN tournament and the 2018 World Cup group stage but resigned in 2016, fed up with unpaid wages and dysfunction within the Nigeria Football Federation.
At Fortuna Sittard (2016–2018) in the Dutch second division, he earned the 2017 Bronze Bull Award for Best Coach.
Sunday Oliseh: Networth
Pinpointing Sunday Oliseh’s net worth is tricky, with estimates ranging from $1 million to $15 million. His wealth stems from lucrative playing contracts, coaching gigs, and savvy investments.
His coaching salary in Europe reportedly hits six figures, with an average monthly income of $10,817 in Belgium, not counting perks.
Sunday owns two Lagos mansions, one in Delta State, and a three-bedroom house gifted by the Nigerian government for his 1994 AFCON win. His car collection— a 2016 Nissan Altima, a 2015 Jeep Liberty, and a 2018 Toyota Highlander—leans practical over flashy.
Legal battles, including a reported FIFA dispute, may have dented his finances, and a GoFundMe campaign for a FIFA life ban trial surfaced, though details are murky.
Personal Life: Family and Values
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Sunday Oliseh is a man deeply in love with his family. He married Hafidah, an Ethiopian-Belgian of Moroccan descent, soon after the 1994 World Cup. Together for over 20 years, they have two kids: son Denzel and daughter Shanice.
Hafidah, whom Sunday calls a “rare and special person,” held down the fort during his hectic career. They keep their personal life private, but their rock-solid marriage speaks volumes.
From a family of seven siblings, Sunday’s brothers include Churchill (a football manager who discovered Obafemi Martins), Azubuike, and Egutu (both ex-pros), and sister Tessy Oliseh Amaize.
Sunday Oliseh: Social Media
Players like Lamine Yamal ,Désiré Doué of PSG in my Opinion are the Trending "Football Geniuses" set to save football from "overpassing ,less creativity and lack of spectacle". I had a blast watching PSG and Barcelona talents on Display. Cannot wait for next Tuesday and… https://t.co/EX9ZP16ZLg
— Sunday Oliseh (@SundayOOliseh) May 1, 2025
Sunday Oliseh stays connected with fans through social media, sharing insights on football and personal updates. You can find him on Twitter as @SundayOOliseh, where he posts about Nigerian football and global matches.
His official Instagram,@sundayooliseh, offers a glimpse into his life in pictures.
He’s also active on YouTube, posting video updates about his coaching and analysis, accessible via his verified channel.
