16/01/2026
Super Eagles’ performance a foundation, not final destination, says Okoku
Owolabi recalls 1980 semifinal clash with Morocco
As the Super Eagles continue their build-up for Wednesday’s semifinal clash with hosts Morocco, in the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations, 1984 AFCON silver medal winner, Paul Okoku, has said that the team’s performance in the tournament should be understood as a foundation rather than a final destination.
Okoku, who was vice-captain of the 1983 U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, the first team to represent Nigeria in a FIFA World Cup competition, spoke yesterday from his base in the United States of America, just as another former Green Eagles winger, Felix Owolabi, recalled his experience in the 1980 AFCON semifinal clash with Morocco.
“On the field, the team has exhibited tactical awareness, mental composure, cohesion, and belief, which are clear indicators of a squad capable of competing at the highest level in Africa,” Okoku told The Guardian.
“Off the field, however, familiar structural weaknesses once again undermined that progress: Unresolved bonuses, delayed allowances, unpaid coaching salaries, the continued neglect of home-based talent, and a tendency to place the burden of failure on players for shortcomings rooted in poor leadership and weak accountability.
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