Sunday Oliseh is a former Nigerian football player and coach. He is one of the best midfielders Nigeria has ever had. Oliseh played for top clubs in Europe and helped Nigeria win the 1994 African Cup of Nations and the 1996 Olympic gold medal. After retiring as a player, he became a coach and even managed the Nigerian national team for a short time.
This biography will take you through his early life, football career, coaching career, and personal life.
Profile Summary
Full Name: Sunday Ogochukwu Oliseh
Date of Birth: September 14, 1974
Place of Birth: Abavo, Delta State, Nigeria
Nationality: Nigerian
Position: Midfielder
Height: 1.83 m (6 feet 0 inches)
Clubs Played For: Julius Berger, RFC Liège, Reggiana, Köln, Ajax, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Genk
National Team: Nigeria (1993–2002)
Major Achievements: 1994 African Cup of Nations winner, 1996 Olympic gold medalist
Coaching Career: Nigeria national team, Fortuna Sittard, SV 19 Straelen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sundayooliseh/
Sunday Oliseh Early Life and Childhood
Sunday Oliseh was born on September 14, 1974, in Abavo, a town in Delta State, Nigeria. He grew up in a simple home with his family. Like many Nigerian kids, he loved football from a young age. He played football in the streets with his friends, using anything they could find as a ball.
His parents wanted him to focus on school, but Oliseh had a strong passion for football. He continued to play whenever he had the chance. He worked hard and dreamed of playing for big teams one day.
Sunday Oliseh Football Career
Oliseh started playing professional football in Nigeria with a club called Julius Berger. He was a talented midfielder with great passing skills. His ability to control the game and make strong tackles made him stand out.
It did not take long before scouts from Europe noticed his talent. He got an opportunity to move to Belgium to play for RFC Liège in 1990. This was a big move for him because European football was more advanced.
At RFC Liège, Oliseh showed his skills and proved he could play at a high level. He spent four years at the club, playing many matches and gaining experience. His performances attracted more clubs, and he later moved to Italy to play for Reggiana in 1994.
Sunday Oliseh Time in Europe
After playing in Italy, Oliseh moved to Germany to play for 1. FC Köln in 1995. This was where he became more popular. He played well in the Bundesliga, Germany’s top football league. His strength, intelligence, and leadership in midfield made him a key player for his team.
In 1997, Dutch club Ajax signed him. This was a major step in his career. Ajax is one of the biggest clubs in Europe, and playing there meant he had reached a high level. He won trophies with Ajax and gained more recognition.
His next move was to Juventus, an Italian club. Although he did not play many matches there, it was a huge achievement to be part of such a big club.
He later moved back to Germany to play for Borussia Dortmund, where he won the Bundesliga title in the 2001-02 season. After playing for Dortmund, he joined Genk in Belgium before retiring from football in 2006.
Playing for the Nigerian National Team
Oliseh made his debut for the Nigerian national team in 1993. He quickly became a key player in the midfield. He helped Nigeria win the 1994 African Cup of Nations, their second-ever AFCON title.
One of his most memorable moments was during the 1998 FIFA World Cup. In a match against Spain, he scored a powerful long-range goal that gave Nigeria a 3-2 victory. This goal remains one of the greatest in World Cup history.
Oliseh was also part of the Nigerian team that won gold at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, USA. This was a historic moment for Nigeria and African football.
He continued to play for the national team until 2002. However, he had disagreements with the football authorities, which led to his early exit from international football.
Coaching Career
After retiring as a player, Oliseh decided to become a coach. He studied coaching and earned professional coaching licenses.
In 2015, he was appointed as the head coach of the Nigerian national team. Many Nigerians were happy because they believed he could bring new ideas to the team.
However, his time as coach was short. He resigned in 2016, citing problems with the Nigerian Football Federation. Despite his short time, he helped the team qualify for the 2016 African Nations Championship.
After leaving the Nigerian team, he coached a club in the Netherlands called Fortuna Sittard. He did well there and helped the team gain promotion to the top league. However, he later left due to disagreements with the club management.
Oliseh also had a brief coaching spell with a German club, SV 19 Straelen, but left after a short period.
Sunday Oliseh Tribe
Sunday Oliseh is from the Igbo tribe in Nigeria. He was born in Abavo, Delta State, a region with both Igbo and other ethnic groups. However, his surname, “Oliseh,” is of Igbo origin, and he strongly identifies as an Igbo man. The Igbo people are one of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria, known for their rich culture, strong business mindset, and deep-rooted traditions.
Growing up in Delta State, Oliseh was exposed to both Igbo and Urhobo cultures, but his primary identity remains Igbo. His tribe is known for producing many successful people in different fields, including football. Many Igbo footballers, like Jay-Jay Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo, have made Nigeria proud, just like Oliseh did in his career.
Sunday Oliseh Wife
Sunday Oliseh is married to Hafida Oliseh, a woman of Moroccan origin. The couple has been together for many years, and she has been a strong supporter of his career, both as a footballer and as a coach. Even though Oliseh is a public figure, he has managed to keep his marriage and family life private, rarely sharing personal details with the media.
Hafida is known to be a private and reserved person, just like her husband. Unlike the wives of many famous footballers, she does not seek media attention or public recognition. She prefers to support her husband behind the scenes, focusing on their family life.
Sunday Oliseh Children
Sunday Oliseh and his wife, Hafida, have children, but he does not share much information about them with the public. He has always been a private person when it comes to his personal life. While many footballers openly share pictures and updates about their families, Oliseh has chosen to keep his children away from the spotlight.
There are no confirmed reports about the number of children he has or their names. However, it is believed that he has raised his children in a disciplined and well-structured home, just like his own upbringing. Being the son or daughter of a football legend comes with high expectations, but Oliseh has ensured that his children have a normal life away from media pressure.
Who Is the Son of Sunday Oliseh?
There are many speculations about Sunday Oliseh’s son, but he has never publicly introduced any of his children to the world. Sunday Oliseh has a son named Denzel Oliseh.
While some reports claim that his son is involved in football, Oliseh has not confirmed this. He has always been very protective of his family, so if any of his children decide to pursue a football career, he may choose to reveal that information when the time is right.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Who is Sunday Oliseh’s wife?
Sunday Oliseh is married to Hafida Oliseh, who is of Moroccan origin. She has been a strong supporter of his football and coaching career.
Who is Sunday Oliseh’s son?
Sunday Oliseh has a son named Denzel Oliseh.
Which secondary school did Sunday Oliseh attend?
He started his education at the Bright Starr Nursery and Primary School (Ojota), Ajao Estate High school (Anthony Village) and the Methodist boys High school, all in Lagos State, Nigeria.
Which country is Sunday Oliseh from?
Sunday Oliseh is from Nigeria. He was born in Abavo, Delta State, and he represented Nigeria in international football.
Read more:
- Vincent Enyeama Biography: Net Worth, Career, Wife, Family, House, Cars
- Daniel Amokachi Biography: Net Worth, Age, Family, Career
Conclusion
Sunday Oliseh’s story is one of hard work and determination. From playing football in the streets of Nigeria to becoming one of the best midfielders in the world, his journey is inspiring.
His achievements in football, both as a player and as a coach, make him a true Nigerian football legend. Many young footballers look up to him as a role model.