The position of head coach for the Nigerian Super Eagles remains vacant, prompting speculation and anticipation regarding the individual who will step into the pivotal role. Among those expressing a keen interest in assuming the coaching mantle is Sylvanus Okpala, a former Nigerian player who has represented the nation during the years 1979 and 1988.
Okpala, a seasoned football figure with a notable history in the sport, including being part of the triumphant Nigerian squad in the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), recently revealed his intentions to vie for the position of the national team’s head coach.
In an interview with The Punch, the 64-year-old emphasized his readiness and capability to lead the Super Eagles.
Reflecting on his own achievements, Okpala stated, “I won the Nations Cup as a player, and I won it as Keshi’s assistant coach; the file is there. It is not easy.
This is not due to luck or mathematics; it is through knowledge.” He highlighted the differences between the team he was part of in 1980, composed mainly of players from the Nigerian league, and the current squad, which he believes has the potential to achieve great success.
Addressing the quality of the current players, Okpala asserted, “We have players who can win the World Cup. So yes, if given a chance, I will do wonders with these boys.
I’m very good at reading plays, and that also gives me an advantage.”
With an illustrious background in Nigerian football and a belief in the capabilities of the present generation of players, Sylvanus Okpala’s expressed interest in becoming the head coach adds an intriguing dimension to the ongoing discussions surrounding the future leadership of the Super Eagles.
