In a candid conversation with Sports Vanguard, the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner and 2013 AFCON assistant coach to the late Stephen Keshi emphasized that determination and sound strategy, not despair, should guide the Super Eagles as they head into the CAF World Cup playoffs.
“Even when people had written us off before that game against Benin Republic, I maintained that there was still a lot to fight for,” Okpala said. “That’s how I’ve always been — as a player and as a coach. You don’t give up until there’s nothing left to play for.”
Recalling his early days with the Green Eagles, Okpala spoke about the competitive spirit that shaped his career. “During camping for the 1980 AFCON, we were almost 100 players. I was young but determined. Even if they told me I had made the final list, I still trained as if I hadn’t. That fighting spirit helped me then, and it’s the same attitude the Super Eagles need now.”
‘Strategy Matters More Than Formation’
Okpala noted that Nigeria’s road to the World Cup remains challenging but not impossible. He believes success will depend largely on how the coach, Eric Chelle, and his players respond to the situation.
“It’s still a long way — a difficult terrain — but not impossible. The key is how the coach and the players respond. Strategy matters more than formation. Strategy must revolve around the players — their abilities and characteristics. That is how a team goes far.”
He also expressed the view that Nigeria’s football leadership made a mistake by not allowing Austin Eguavoen to continue as coach after his short stint.
“If Eguavoen had been left in charge, I don’t think we’d be where we are now. He stabilized that team, qualified us for the 2025 AFCON, and did well. People complain he lost the last match to Rwanda, but we had already qualified — that game meant nothing.”
‘Only Nigerian Coaches Can Fix Nigerian Football’
Okpala reiterated his long-held stance that Nigeria must look inward to find lasting solutions to its football challenges.
“I’ve said it repeatedly — only Nigerian coaches can solve Nigeria’s football problem, not foreigners. We have capable people,” he declared.
He cited several successful examples to back his argument:
- Samson Siasia — excelled with the U-20 and U-23 teams, winning silver at both the World Cup and Olympics.
- Emmanuel Amuneke — won the U-17 World Cup, qualified Tanzania for the AFCON, and stabilized Nigeria during a difficult spell.
- Stephen Keshi — led the Super Eagles to the 2013 AFCON title and World Cup qualification, with Okpala as his assistant.
“People say Keshi did it, but no coach succeeds alone. Water forms foam only if there’s soap — both must work together. We worked as a team and succeeded.”
‘Nigeria’s Chances Are Bright’
On the Super Eagles’ prospects, Okpala insists that Nigeria’s chances are as good as any team’s in the playoffs.
“Football has changed. Everyone studies everyone. Being in the playoffs doesn’t mean we are worse than teams that qualified automatically,” he said.
He also cautioned against using the strength of domestic leagues as a measure of national team performance.
“Senegal once beat England 3–1 in a friendly. Can we compare their leagues? No. If league strength determined World Cup success, England and Spain would have multiple titles. But football doesn’t work that way.”
Okpala concluded with a message of unity and optimism:
“We must accept reality and move forward. The most important thing now is to support the team. We can still make it — but we must go for the ultimate, the World Cup ticket.”