Sunday Oliseh quits

Oliseh wants to concentrate on his club career

By Osasu Obayiuwana BBC Sport Online

Sunday Oliseh has said he will no longer play for Nigeria.

The former captain of the Super Eagles told BBC Sport Online that after a decade with the national team it was time to concentrate on his club career and family life.

"It's time to turn another page and move on," he said.

"I've held on to my place in the national team for almost 10 years and Nigeria needs a team with a new generation of players.

"I have taken a lot of risks travelling all over the world for my country, so I think I should spend more time with my family."

Oliseh made his debut with the national team on 24 July 1993, in an African Nations Cup qualifier against Ethiopia.

"The only thing that I have not won with my country is the World Cup.

Achievements

"I have been an African champion in 1994 and won silver and bronze medals at the Nations Cup, while I captained the team.

"Besides, I have won an Olympic gold medal and been at two World Cups.

Oliseh wants to spend time with his family

"It has been a priviledge to serve my country and I have been truly blessed," Oliseh said.

It is not the first time that Oliseh has quit the national team.

He retired after the 1998 World Cup finals in France but was persuaded by the Nigeria Football Association to rescind his decision.

But the Borussia Dortmund player says there is no going back this time.

"I do not think that there is anything else that I can achieve with Nigeria, so I will not change my mind again," he added.

Oliseh, Nigeria's most travelled footballer, has played for five other clubs in the Belgian, Italian, Dutch and German leagues.

Sunday Oliseh will make subsequent comments on his retirement and Nigeria's World Cup performance in his column.