Sunday Oliseh has named late Nigerian legend Haruna Ilerika as the country’s first true football superstar, praising the former forward for the influence he had on Nigerian football during his era.
The former Super Eagles captain made the revelation while reflecting on the history of Nigerian football and the players who helped shape the national team’s identity long before the modern generation of stars emerged. According to Oliseh, Ilerika stood out not only for his talent on the pitch but also for the fame and admiration he commanded across the country.
Sunday Oliseh explained that many younger fans may not fully understand how iconic Ilerika was in his playing days, insisting the former striker was among the earliest Nigerian players to gain celebrity status through football.
Known for his flair, creativity and eye for goal, Haruna Ilerika represented Nigeria in the 1970s and became one of the most admired figures of that generation. His popularity helped elevate football’s profile nationwide at a time when the sport was still growing into the powerhouse it later became.
Oliseh’s comments have sparked renewed appreciation for past Nigerian greats, with many supporters acknowledging that modern success was built on the foundations laid by pioneers like Ilerika.
Nigeria has since produced several global stars across different generations, but for Oliseh, the title of the nation’s first football superstar belongs to the unforgettable Haruna Ilerika.
