Only Amodu can decide Okocha’s return to Eagles — Okpala

By Kate Obodo

Following the statement  made by the former Green Eagles winger Adokie Amiesimaka urging the Presidency and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to persuade  former Super Eagles   midfielder Austin Okocha to return to active football, ex-International and former Rangers coach Sylvanus Okpala says only the Super Eagles handler Shaibu Amodu can  determine  the return of the former Bolton Wanderers player to the team.

According to him, Okocha returning to active football is entirely  Amodu’s decision. Adding that the chief coach decides who he wants in his team.

•Amodu

“Only Amodu can decide Okocha’s  return to the team. This is because the coach   has the last say concerning that. He  knows the players who can  fit  into his plans,” he said
Reacting  to the Super Eagles’ performance in the last match against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia, Okpala lauded the coach and team for recording a goalless draw despite the fact that it was not an  attractive game.  He said the result has brought hope that Nigeria may be in South Africa.
However, he urged the Super Eagles  coach to focus  more on African sides  rather than European teams for  friendly matches as it would go a long way to prepare the team.