Former Tremendous Eagles defender Godwin Okpara has delivered a blunt verdict on Nigeria’s chaotic preparation tradition, insisting that the identical long-standing issues that existed throughout his personal enjoying profession are nonetheless crippling the nationwide group and instantly contributed to lacking one other FIFA World Cup ticket.
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Talking with seen frustration, Okpara mentioned he was not shocked by Nigeria’s failure to qualify, because the indicators had been apparent lengthy earlier than the primary ball was kicked.
“This delayed preparation is precisely what price Nigeria the World Cup ticket. It has been occurring since my time; nothing has modified,” he mentioned.
He lamented that the nation continues to strategy main competitions with poor planning, unclear buildings, and last-minute decision-making, arguing that no severe soccer nation behaves this manner.
“You can’t put together late and anticipate to succeed. Soccer has modified. Different international locations put together early and keep organised. We maintain repeating the identical errors,” Okpara added.
The previous PSG and Normal Liège defender revealed that in his period, gamers typically complained in regards to the lack of well timed organisation, but many years later, the state of affairs seems even worse.
“It shouldn’t be like this. We’re too large a nation to all the time wait till the final minute,” he mentioned.
Okpara mentioned it has now turn out to be troublesome to determine precisely who’s accountable as a result of a number of management modifications and administrative conflicts have created confusion inside Nigerian soccer.
“I don’t even know who responsible anymore. The state of affairs at house is sophisticated, however somebody should take duty,” he said.
He believes Nigeria’s AFCON preparations are exhibiting worrying indicators of the identical sample, warning that with out rapid motion, the group dangers getting into the match underprepared and unfocused.
“If we repeat these delays for AFCON, we are going to undergo once more. Preparation is every part,” he confused.
Okpara referred to as for structural reform, early planning, correct camp organisation, and accountability from each directors and technical workers.
His remaining message was sharp and pressing, “If Nigeria needs to succeed, we should cease these delays. In any other case, the failures will proceed, World Cup or AFCON, it makes no distinction.”
