Ex-AFCON champion seeks Super Eagles coaching role, promising remarkable results

Posted : 08 March 2024

Former Nigeria international Sylvanus Okpala has declared his eagerness to assume the role of the next head coach for the Super Eagles. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is currently in search of a new head coach after the departure of Portuguese tactician Jose Peseiro.

Peseiro, the former Sporting Lisbon manager, led the Super Eagles to a commendable second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. However, he stepped down from the position as his contract expired, leaving the coaching position vacant.

While there are calls for the NFF to renew negotiations with Peseiro, many voices advocate for the appointment of a homegrown coach to lead the three-time African champions. Notable names under consideration for the Super Eagles coaching position include Emmanuel Amunike, George Finidi, Daniel Amokachi, Ndubuisi Egbo, and United States’ U19 national team coach Michael Nsien.

Sylvanus Okpala, a member of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning Nigerian team, desires to be considered among potential candidates for the head coach role. The former Enugu Rangers midfielder boasts a respectable coaching career, having served as an assistant to coach Stephen Keshi during the Super Eagles' triumph at AFCON in 2013.

In an interview, Okpala praised Peseiro's efforts while expressing confidence in his own technical expertise to guide the Super Eagles to victory in both the AFCON and the World Cup.

Okpala stated, "The only thing I can say about Peseiro is that he has tried his best, but the game goes on. I’m one of those that should replace him. I’ve won the Nations Cup as a player, and I have won it as an assistant coach to Keshi; the record is there. It is not easy. It’s not by luck or mathematics; it’s by knowledge."

Reflecting on the differences between the 2013 squad and the current team, Okpala emphasized the potential of the current squad, expressing his belief that with the right guidance, they could achieve remarkable success.

The Super Eagles have secured the AFCON trophy three times but have yet to progress beyond the second round in the FIFA World Cup. Okpala sees the potential for greatness in the current squad and is eager to contribute to their success if given the opportunity.

Ex-AFCON champion seeks Super Eagles coaching role, promising remarkable results

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