Former Nigeria worldwide Sylvanus Okpala has expressed disappointment over the Tremendous Eagles’ slim probabilities of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Okpala, who was a part of Stephen Keshi’s backroom workers when Nigeria received the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, mentioned he had provided to work with then-interim coach Austin Eguavoen with out taking a wage. He believes that if the Nigeria Soccer Federation (NFF) had accepted his proposal, the workforce would nonetheless be in charge of their qualification hopes.
Eguavoen had changed Finidi George after his quick spell in cost and led Nigeria to only one defeat in six AFCON qualifiers, securing a spot on the 2025 match. Nonetheless, the NFF appointed Malian coach Eric Chelle in January, a choice Okpala strongly opposed.
“After we had six matches left, our future was nonetheless in our palms,” Okpala mentioned. “I suggested the NFF to depart Eguavoen in cost. I even provided to affix him for under camp allowances and match bonuses, with an agreed fee if we certified. However they ignored me and introduced in a overseas coach.”
Earlier than Chelle’s arrival, Nigeria had didn’t win any of their first 4 World Cup qualifying matches. Beneath him, they’ve recorded a 2-0 win over Rwanda and a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe, leaving them with seven factors from six video games — six factors behind Group C leaders South Africa.
To qualify, Nigeria should win all their remaining matches and rely upon different outcomes. The Tremendous Eagles final appeared on the World Cup in 2018, exiting within the group stage.
