National Teams
“Help the poor guy!” — Sunday Oliseh calls out ungrateful Obi Mikel over Joseph Dosu
By Monsurah Olatunji
Former Super Eagles captain and head coach, Sunday Oliseh, has revealed that ex-goalkeeper Joseph Dosu played a significant role in supporting John Obi Mikel before he rose to fame.
Joseph Dosu, the only home-based player included in Nigeria’s 1996 Olympic team that won gold, had his career cut short by an automobile accident.
Despite his challenges, Dosu extended a helping hand to Mikel during his early days.
“Dosu Joseph is one of my best friends, he’s like a brother to me,” Oliseh said on Elegbete TV.
“Before Obi made it in football, Dosu housed Mikel in his house and fed him. I bet people don’t know this. Dosu is still doing well, albeit handicapped because of an accident.”
Oliseh emphasized the importance of recognizing Dosu’s contribution and urged Mikel to show gratitude: “Despite the help that Dosu gave Mikel, has he ever gone to say hello? With all the millions he has made, help the poor guy (Dosu).”
Addressing a comment Mikel made about Oliseh’s treatment of Elderson Echiejile, Oliseh clarified: “I heard he said something about me treating Elderson Echiejile wrong, but that is misinformation he has given to Nigerians. Echiejile’s uncle is my good friend. I even advised Echiejile when he had issues with his coach at Monaco.”
Oliseh also explained his decision to replace Mikel during a World Cup qualifier: “The problem I had with Mikel was that I didn’t find him good enough to play that position when I coached him. I felt we had a home-based player that was best.
“And when we played a World Cup qualifier against Swaziland, because Mikel had played badly in the first leg three days earlier, when we came back, I played Paul Onobi in his place. Paul was eventually voted as the best player by the opposition coach, and we killed them 2-0.”
He concluded by stating, “The point is, I hold no grudge against Obi-Mikel.”
