Former Nigerian captain Sunday Oliseh said his move to VfL Bochum has given him the opportunity to rediscover his form and reputation.

His war of words with former Nigeria coach Festus Onigbinde cost him a place at the World Cup finals last year.

"Here at Bochum I have found the space to play football again," said Oliseh in an interview with the German soccer magazine 'Kicker'.

"Here we have a coach who respects the opinion of the players.

"After just one week here, I knew that I had made a good move."

Oliseh, who had a frustrating time at former club Borussia Dortmund, said the atmosphere there was like that of a "military camp."

"At Bochum, the players have an opportunity to express themselves and the spirit is fantastic."

Oliseh joins two other African World Cup stars at the club - Delron Buckley of South Africa and Cameroonian hard man Raymond Kalla.

"Bochum have a great chance to climb up the league table.

"I know the coach (Peter Neururer).I worked with him at Cologne and I get on well with him," he said.

Oliseh, who previously played at Ajax Amsterdam and Juventus, says the move to Bochum cannot be interpreted as a retrogressive step.

"I have achieved a lot in football with the help of God.

"My career has improved with every move. Bochum is not a club to be underestimated."

The club lie ninth in the Bundesliga after the weekend.