Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh, has called on the senior national team to resume playing at the National Stadium in Lagos.
Nigeria have hosted their recent international games in several stadiums across the country, recording contrasting results.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder, says if the Eagles must return to the top, they need the “pressure” and “atmosphere” of playing in Lagos.
“It’s a lot easier now to play for Nigeria and I guess that is one of the reasons we are not doing so well now. In those days, you go to the National Stadium, Lagos in front 100,000 fans,” Oliseh said during an interview with Brila Fm.
“After 20 minutes, you have not scored, the fans go crazy and your family lives in Lagos; that is pressure. When you go to the Africa Cup of Nations or the World Cup and you know that second is not enough; that is pressure. When you have to play and the future of your family is at stake; that is pressure.
“I’m overtly telling them that if we want to go back to the top; we need to bring the Super Eagles back to Lagos
“If England have an important match to play, they play you at Wembley because that is where they have the greatest number of fans and that is where it becomes emotional for the players. The National Stadium is our own Wembley.
“I played for Nigeria for 10 years and we never lost at the National Stadium. That shows you how mythical it was to play there. The players need that kind of atmosphere to perform.”
Comments