Former Super Eagles assistant coach, Sylvanus Okpala says that any foreign technical adviser appointed by the NFF to lead the national team must qualify for the World Cup, and anything less would be deemed “a complete failure”.

Okpala emphasized that the quality of the coach should be directly linked to the target of World Cup qualification, leaving no room for excuses.

Joseph Yobo (C) flanked by Coach Sylvanus Okpala (2 L). (Photo | PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP via Getty Images)

He stressed the severe consequences of failing to qualify for another World Cup, labeling it as potentially disastrous for Nigerian football.

“Anybody you are bringing in today, you are bringing in to qualify Nigeria for the World Cup. There’s no excuse. If that person does not qualify Nigeria for the World Cup, he has failed.

“The issue that somebody has spoiled something before then he came in, why not leave that person who spoiled something to continue and get to the end if he qualifies or not.

“So whoever is coming in must have to qualify us to the World Cup. If he doesn’t do that, he has failed.”

Okpala further reiterated the importance of the World Cup qualification for the country’s footballing reputation and the potential crisis that could ensue if Nigeria fails to qualify for a second consecutive time.

“The person must come to qualify us for the World Cup if you are bringing any coach; he must have to qualify us for the World Cup.

“We cannot afford not to fly the Nigerian flag at the World Cup for the second time. It will be a disaster, and there will be a lot of crises in Nigerian football if that happens. I’m not a prophet; I’m not prophesizing.”

The NFF and the Super Eagles have come under immense scrutiny from the fans of the national team after continuous underwhelming performances from the team and the manner with which the NFF have handled the team.

After the resignation of former boss, Finidi George, many names have been linked with replacing the new Rivers United head coach, however, nothing has been communicated by the football governing body concerning the planned expatriate that was planned to take over the job.