Oliseh shouldn’t be blamed for Eagles’ retirements - Abbey

Former Super Eagles defender George Abbey has defended manager Sunday Oliseh over the controversy trailing the retirement of Vincent Enyeama and Emmanuel Emenike from the national team.

The ex-Macclesfield Town star in a chat with Daily Trust yesterday, also said people blaming Oliseh for recent happenings in the Eagles set up are unfair to him considering they jump to early conclusions with little information at their disposal.

“It’s unfair to blame the coach for the players’ decision. If the player hasn’t blamed the coach for his decision, why should we? In Emenike’s case I’m sure he’ll have his reasons for quitting, we have to respect & applaud him for his time with the team and wish him well,” Abbey told Daily Trust.

Though Emenike’s recent announcement via social media contained no direct hint of animosity, most football followers are wondering if his exit is influenced by a purported plan by the Eagles manager to finally drop the striker from his team for next month’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Swaziland.

Former Captain and goalkeeper Enyeama who quit the senior national side 3 weeks ago also announced his exit on Instagram after a major disagreement with the coach at a Belgium camp.

Emenike last scored for Nigeria two years ago and has at least 4 Club titles from his stint at Karabukspor, Spartak Moscow, and Fenerbahce; and one national title from the Super Eagles win at the African Cup of Nations in 2013.