Former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh, has dismissed the notion that Nigerian footballers of his generation made fortunes during their playing days in Europe, insisting that many were underpaid compared to present standards.
Oliseh spoke against the backdrop of recent controversies following the burial of ex-goalkeeper Peter Rufai, where some retired internationals, including Taribo West, lamented neglect by government despite their service to the nation. The comments drew heavy criticism from fans who accused the players of mismanaging their earnings.
As noted by Vanguard, Oliseh, who was part of the golden 1994 squad, clarified that while they earned salaries, the figures were modest by modern benchmarks. He revealed that his first contract at Belgian side RFC Liege in the early 1990s was worth just $1,000 a month.
“When I signed my first deal with FC Liege, I thought I had made it,” Oliseh recounted on the Global Insights Podcast. “But when I received my first salary, it was $750. I complained, only to be told deductions for taxes, insurance and healthcare had been made. We didn’t know much about such things at the time.”
The former Juventus and Borussia Dortmund midfielder further explained that match bonuses with the national team were also meagre. “We were paid between $1,000 and $3,000, and many times we had to protest before we got it,” he added.
Oliseh maintained that while his generation broke barriers for Nigerian footballers in Europe, they lacked the financial awareness and bargaining power that today’s players enjoy.
