Self motivation, key to Eagles’ improved performance — Oliseh

Head coach of the Nigeria national team, Sunday Oliseh says his players always try to compete against themselves and not opponents as they try to raise their level of play.

Oliseh made the disclosure when addressing reporters after Nigeria’s 2-0 friendly international against Niger in Port Harcourt.

“What we are trying to do is to play against ourselves and not necessarily against the opponent.

“We are trying how to learn how to play together as a team. It didn’t matter if we were playing against Niger which I think is a very good team.

“It was important to see how the players reacted after making those mistakes on Saturday (in the 0-0 draw with Tanzania in Dar es Salaam).

“We had some team talks after that game and it is clear the players are feeling a lot better now,” he said.

Oliseh then took the time to address the controversy of Ahmed Musa’s second goal which was disallowed for offside.

The former Nigeria captain felt the goal should have stood.

“Of course it was a goal but the referee, like all human beings, made a mistake at that moment.

“The ball got to Musa from an opponent. Wales scored a similar goal against Belgium in Euro 2016 qualifying when Gareth Bale finished off the move.

“These things happen…if it had happened in a competitive game, I would have lost my rag but it was a friendly.

Meanwhile, Oliseh has said no player is irreplaceable in reference to the absence of captain Vincent Enyeama in the side’s last two matches.

Bereaved Lille of France shot stopper Enyeama missed Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nation’s qualifier against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in Dar es Salaam as well as the international friendly against the Les Mena of Niger Republic in Port Harcourt.

English championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers’ goalkeeper Carl Ikeme stepped in perfectly and put up a five-star performance in both matches.

Oliseh said the only entity that cannot be replaced is the entity called Nigeria as he will gladly welcome new committed players to the side.

“Nobody is irreplaceable except the country, Nigeria. I retired from the national side and the team continues. Ikeme and a few new players came in and put up good performances in both matches against Tanzania and Niger.

“There is room for the likes of Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, among others, as long as they demonstrate commitment to play for Nigeria,” said the former Nigerian captain.

Oliseh awarded high marks to the side that won the international friendly match against the Les Mena of Niger Republic on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.

“It’s important we win and win as a more organised side. We did not go onto the pitch to merely engage the Nigeriens but to play for ourselves.

“We were better today (Tuesday) against Niger than Saturday’s Afcon clash in Dar es Salaam against Tanzania.

“We were better organised and I think we dictated the pace of the game though I will love to see more of it in subsequent matches,” said Oliseh.

Eagles defeated the Les Mena of Niger 2-0 in the friendly tie with goals from captain Ahmed Musa and substitute Moses Simon.