ANDREW EKEJIUBA
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA have congratulated ex-Nigerian international, Sunday Oliseh, on his 46th birthday.
Born in Abavo, Delta State, Nigeria, Oliseh started his professional football career with Julius Berger FC of Lagos in 1989 and could best be remembered for his eye-catching performances for the Super Eagles at the 1998 World Cup in France.
The midfielder scored a stunner for Nigeria in a group stage game against Spain, firing home a rocket-like shot from 25 yards.
The governing bodies sent a heartfelt message to the former Super Eagles captain and coach as he reaches a new age, with FIFA recollecting his heroic display against Spain.
Oliseh began his European career in 1990, joining RFC Liege and made 75 appearances for the club during his four-year stay.
The midfielder then teamed up with Reggiana and spent a season with the side before he moved to FC Koln in 1995.
Oliseh joined Ajax in 1997 and made 54 league appearances for the Dutch outfit, winning the Eredivisie title and KNVB Cup.
His outstanding performances soon caught the attention of Italian giants, Juventus, who signed him in 1999 and won the UEFA Intertoto Cup with the side.
Oliseh later moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2000 and enjoyed great success during his four-year stay with the club, winning the Bundesliga title.
He played for Belgian side, Genk, before his retirement from professional football in 2006 at the age of 31 years.
The star performer was part of the Nigeria team that won a gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games and featured prominently as they clinched the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations title.
He coached the Super Eagles between 2015 and 2016 and enjoyed a string of impressive games during his time.
Oliseh has also previously managed Vervietois and Fortuna Sittard and served as sporting director of Eupen in 2007.