Former Super Eagles midfielder Sylvanus Okpala has called for absolute concentration from the national team as they head into today’s high-stakes World Cup playoff showdown with Gabon in Rabat. With qualification hanging in the balance and tensions still simmering from Tuesday’s bonus standoff, Okpala warned that Nigeria cannot afford even the slightest distraction.
Okpala, a member of Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON-winning golden generation, said the only thing that should matter to the players right now is securing victory—whether through the direct route or the longer path.
Read Also: Dalung Slams NFF Over Bonus Crisis as Super Eagles Enter Playoff Eve in Turmoil
“It doesn’t matter whether Nigeria qualifies automatically or through the playoffs,” Okpala stressed. “What matters is that we get the job done. This is not the time for excuses, distractions, or divided attention. The focus must be total.”
Although he admitted he hasn’t closely monitored Gabon in recent years, Okpala cautioned that any team reaching this stage of the qualifiers must be respected. He highlighted Gabon’s strong showing in the group phase and insisted Nigeria must match their hunger and intensity from kickoff.
“Gabon’s performance in the qualifiers shows they are not a weak side,” he said. “But Nigeria has better quality overall. If the players stay focused, avoid errors, and play with discipline, they should win.”
The former midfielder also weighed in subtly on the recent training boycott, insisting that while players deserve to demand their rights, such actions must never derail national objectives. He urged the squad to put the episode behind them and produce a performance worthy of Nigeria’s reputation.
Okpala emphasized that the onus lies on the team’s experienced stars—Osimhen, Ekong, Ndidi, Lookman, and others—to provide leadership during difficult moments, saying the younger players will follow their example.
“Big players win big games,” he noted. “This is one of the biggest matches Nigeria has faced in years. They must show maturity and professionalism.”
With kickoff approaching, Okpala remains confident the Super Eagles have what it takes to soar.
