Okpala returns to Eagles

The recalling process in the Super Eagles has continued with the return of former assistant coach, Sylvanus okpala who was fired by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after the South Africa 2013 Nations Cup.
Okpala, just like Ike Uche is staging a comeback courtesy of Stephen Keshi who has requested for his return ahead of the all-important Nations Cup qualifier against Congo in Pointe Noire next week.

A competent NFF source confirmed to Daily Sunsports yesterday that the NFF board has endorsed Okpala’s return based on the special request put forward by Keshi as part of his game plan for the must-win away game against Congo.
According to our source, the NFF has resolved to give Keshi all the technical support he needs to leave Congo unscathed hence the decision to unconditionally grant his request for Okpala.
“Keshi has asked for Okpala’s inclusion in the technical crew ahead of the Congo war and we have given our go ahead to it,” our source said, adding, “we are leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to ensure we qualify for Morocco in spite of the fact that we are right now walking on a tight rope.”
Efforts made last night to reach Okpala proved abortive as his lines were not going through. Okpala, it is recalled was sacked after the Eagles AFCON 2013 victory with the NFF hinging his sack on the need to downsize the Eagles technical crew. Interestingly, Okpala ended up being the only person that was sacked in the so called downsizing exercise with all the other members of the crew retaining their jobs.
Many pundits believe Okpala’s sack contributed to Eagles poor run since after the South Africa Nations Cup outing. The former Super Eagles captain who is a no-nonsense physical trainer is known to be a good reader of matches.