Oliseh Singles Out Nigeria and War-Torn Sudan for AFCON Praise

As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations reaches a fever pitch in Morocco, the tactical nuances and emotional storylines of the tournament have begun to separate the contenders from the pretenders. Among the voices analyzing this continental spectacle is former Super Eagles captain and manager Sunday Oliseh, whose storied career in the colors of Juventus and Ajax lends a heavyweight authority to his observations. Speaking on the latest episode of “Global Football Insights,” the former midfield general looked beyond the mere scorelines to identify two nations that have defined the spirit of the competition so far.

Unsurprisingly, Oliseh’s primary focus remains anchored to his roots, as he expressed significant admiration for the current trajectory of the Nigerian national team. The Super Eagles have navigated the early challenges of Group C with a level of composure that suggests they are peaking at the right moment. Having already secured their passage into the Round of 16 with a game to spare, Nigeria’s blend of tactical discipline and individual brilliance has marked them as a primary threat to any opponent dreaming of the trophy.

However, it was Oliseh’s second choice that truly captured the human element of the beautiful game. The former coach reserved special, poignant praise for Sudan, a team he believes is punching far above its weight given the dire circumstances back home. Sudan is currently a nation fractured by a devastating civil war, yet its footballers have managed to transform that domestic tragedy into a source of unwavering resilience on the Moroccan pitch.

For Oliseh, the Sudanese performance is a masterclass in the principle of fighting against the odds. He noted that the ability of these players to maintain focus, discipline, and competitive fire while their country is in turmoil is nothing short of heroic. Their recent victory in the group stages was not just a sporting achievement in his eyes; it was a testament to the power of national pride and the unique role football plays in providing hope to a suffering population.

The contrast between the two teams Oliseh highlighted is stark. Nigeria represents a traditional powerhouse, a “Green Giant” backed by a massive population and a roster of European-based stars. Their success is expected, though no less impressive in its execution. Sudan, conversely, represents the underdog story that AFCON produces better than any other continental tournament—a side fueled by grit rather than resources, seeking to give their people a reason to smile amidst a dark period of history.

As it stands, the Super Eagles are preparing for their final group encounter against the Cranes of Uganda on Tuesday evening. With their qualification already in the bag, the match serves as an opportunity for the technical crew to fine-tune their strategies and perhaps rotate the squad to keep key assets fresh for the knockout phases. For Oliseh, seeing his former team operate with such efficiency is a source of professional pride and national optimism.

The path forward for Sudan is significantly more perilous but equally compelling. Currently sitting in third place in Group E with three points from their opening two matches, their tournament life hangs in the balance. They face a high-stakes showdown with Burkina Faso on Wednesday, a match that will determine whether their fairytale run continues into the elimination rounds. The Sudanese “fighting spirit” that Oliseh admired will be tested to its absolute limit in that final group game.

Oliseh’s analysis serves as a reminder that AFCON is often about more than just who lifts the trophy at the end of the month. While the Super Eagles hunt for a fourth title to cement their status as African royalty, Sudan is playing for a different kind of victory—one of recognition and survival. The former Nigerian captain’s comments have sparked a wider conversation among fans about the resilience of North and East African teams in this edition of the tournament.

The 2025 edition in Morocco has already provided plenty of tactical intrigue, but as the group stage concludes, the narratives of dominance and defiance remain the most captivating. Nigeria’s smooth sailing and Sudan’s uphill battle represent the two sides of the same coin, illustrating the diversity of motivation that drives athletes on the continent’s biggest stage.

As the knockout brackets begin to take shape, the eyes of the footballing world remain on the Super Eagles to see if they can maintain the standard Oliseh so highly praised. Simultaneously, many neutral observers will now be watching Sudan with renewed interest, hoping to see the “principled” fighting spirit of the Falcons of Jediane carry them into the history books.