Oliseh Nigeria's greatest player - Agbede

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Sports and media personality Segun Agbede reveals his thoughts on Nigeria's golden years, the GOAT debate, Ruben Amorim and more in this interview with Pedro Peter

What sports did you engage in while growing up?

Well, I could easily fabricate a grand story here, but unfortunately, I went to Igbobi College. If I claimed I was the football captain of the IC Rockets, that was the name of our school team -- you would have a million and one people calling me a liar.

Truthfully, I played football at a very rudimentary level. I also dabbled into cricket. I remember being a batsman, I even managed to make a few runs. Can you imagine? I have always loved sports. I've been a football fan, a Manchester United fan, for as long as I can remember. I've followed all kinds of sports: World Cups, Olympics, boxing, basketball -- going back to the days of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan -- and even rugby. Athletics too. But I've always been more of a spectator than a participant.

Did you ever considered pursuing a career in sports?

I was never that good at it, but I used to admire those who were. When I was in school -- particularly at Igbobi College, there were boys around me who were incredibly talented. A friend of mine, Daniel (may his soul rest in perfect peace), could dribble everyone on the pitch. There was another chap -- absolutely brilliant to watch. The Rockets, sadly, never won the Principal's Cup, which was quite prestigious back then.

I attended schools that encouraged participation in all sorts of sports. I later went to King's College for my A-levels, and again, they offered everything: cricket, hockey, football, basketball -- you name it. The love for sports was ingrained in me.

So yes, although I didn't actively pursue sports professionally, I've always advocated for and supported it deeply.

Since you didn't take up sports professionally, would it be fair to say your parents did not object to your career choices?

Absolutely. But if the kind of opportunities available today had existed back then, it would have been a different story. If we had known then what we know now, boys like Mara and Daniel would have been outstanding footballers.

We had peers who truly excelled. For example, Kofi played cricket for King's College, for Nigeria, and even for West Africa. He still went on to attend the University of Lagos, a solid guy. There were many others who successfully combined academics and sports.

Interestingly, many of those who run the Nigeria Cricket Federation today were former players. It's arguably one of the most efficiently run sports federations in the country. For instance, the current chairman played in secondary school and the University of Benin, and also represented Nigeria.

Which football team do you support?

Currently, my favourite team is Manchester City. But to be completely honest, when I was younger, I supported several teams. I've always loved football, and naturally, I admired many clubs.

Back in the day, I liked Manchester United. I started supporting United from my childhood -- the Red Devils have always been my team. Domestically, I have a lot of love for Remo Stars. They're privately owned, and I've visited their stadium and sports complex, very impressive. I admire what they've done, especially on the continental stage.

Speaking of Manchester United, what's your take on the game and the future of the club under manager Rúben Amorim as we approach the 2025/2026 season?

I consider myself a real fan. I lived through the glory years. I remember the likes of Bobby Charlton and George Best. That probably reveals my age, doesn't it?

I also remember the dark days of the 1970s when we were relegated. We were awful then, just like now. But I do believe Rúben Amorim can turn things around.

However, I always say this: Manchester United is the worst-run football club in the world. They'vs spent the third-highest amount in Europe over the past five years, nearly £2bn. Yet, of the 49 players the club have signed since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, only three or four have truly delivered.

Unless Amorim clears out this deadwood, the club won't progress. The problem is, most of these players don't want to leave because no other club will match those inflated salaries.

United recently signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves. Is he the kind of player who can help restore the club's former glory?

Let's see. Signing Cunha is a step forward. But we need five or six more like him, players with a strong mentality.

It reminds me of the 1991/1992 season when Leeds United won the old First Division with a key player: Eric Cantona. Ferguson saw that and signed Cantona mid-season. That signing transformed United, and the rest is history.

I hope Amorim can find his own Cantona. I like Cunha because he's got a bit of a nasty streak in a good way. He's competitive, fearless, and passionate. That's what United needs and not the low-mentality players currently at the club.

Who is your greatest footballer of all time?

For me, the greatest of all time is Pelé. He's followed closely by Maradona. Then maybe Cruyff. I have the benefit of age. I actually watched Pelé play. I remember the 1970 World Cup vividly. He scored a brace in the final. Pelé won three World Cups -- 1958, 1962, and 1970. That's incredible. He retired soon after that. I saw him with my own eyes, that's something special.

Ronaldo hasn't won a World Cup. Messi did, but on penalties. Pelé? He defined the sport.

Who is your greatest African player?

That's a tough one. Maybe Abedi Pele or Roger Milla. Milla deserves special recognition for what he did in Italia '90 -- the highest level. But we've had so many greats, even from North Africa.

Narrowing it down to the Super Eagles, who would you say is your all-time best Nigerian player?

For me, it's Sunday Oliseh. I watched the 1998 World Cup and Oliseh could play anywhere. He played as a striker in his early years, but also as a defensive midfielder, a number six, a number eight, and a number ten. He was exceptionally talented.

So many others too, Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi, Jay-Jay Okocha. We've had fantastic talents.

You've seen so many generations. What's your most unforgettable football moment?

There are many. I watched the Green Eagles live in 1973 against Guinea at the All-Africa Games. We won 2-0. That was special.

Then there's the 1980 AFCON win, and again in 1994 when we won in Tunisia. The 1996 Olympic gold was monumental. Then there's the 1985 Kodak U-16 World Cup in China, that victory put us on the global map.

Don't forget 2013, when we won the AFCON in South Africa. Sunday Mba scored in the semi-final and final. The stadium was packed, and no one gave us a chance. It was brilliant.

Would you encourage your children or grandchildren to pursue sports?

Absolutely. Sports is a multi-billion dollar industry. Why wouldn't I? All they need is talent, the right attitude, and guidance. Talent alone isn't enough, it has to be matched with discipline and commitment.

There are probably more naturally talented players than Messi or Ronaldo, but what sets them apart is their application, their professionalism.