Tarila Okorowanta Begs NFF For Coaching or Administrative Job

Tarila Okorowanta, who scored Nigeria’s first goal at a FIFA World Cup tournament, has appealed to the nation’s supreme football authority, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), for a role in the country’s football system, Completesports.com reports.

Okorowanta scored Nigeria’s winning goal in the Flying Eagles’ opening Group B match against the Soviet Union at the 1983 FIFA World Youth Championship. The Flying Eagles won the game 1-0.

Forty-three years later, Okorowanta, who recently served as Bayelsa United Team Manager, has informed the NFF that he is willing and ready to serve the country again in whatever capacity.

Also Read: NPFL: ‘Bayelsa United Relegation Saddest Moment In My Football Career’ — Okorowanta

The 61-year-old Okorowanta is particularly interested in a coaching role, insisting that Nigerian football has nosedived significantly and needs a fresh breath of revival.

Okorowanta Laments Decline of Nigeria’s Youth National Teams

“Looking at our national youth teams in particular, and the pathetic situation they have found themselves in, you may be moved to tears,” the former Stationery Stores winger lamented bitterly.

“Here was a team we made proud, a team that conquered Africa for over a decade, a team that fed the Super Eagles with quality players, just like a feeder team.

“During our time, top players graduated into the senior team, and that made the senior national team very strong. Players were picked for the Flying Eagles based on pure, raw talent. Players were discovered through the Principal Cup and grassroots competitions like the famous ‘Mock Nations Cup’ in Ajegunle, not necessarily from the domestic league or club sides.

“Watching the Flying Eagles struggle to qualify for the World Cup hurts. Watching the Golden Eaglets (U-17) miss the World Cup three times is sad. Watching the Super Eagles fail to qualify for the World Cup consecutively is a major pain. Honestly, these are the reasons why I am compelled to do everything within my capacity to help our football.”

Strong Youth Teams Build Strong Super Eagles — Okorowanta

The former Bayelsa United Team Manager lamented that the sorry state of the country’s youth teams is seriously affecting the Super Eagles.

“The dismal state of the age-grade teams is affecting the Super Eagles. We shouldn’t be surprised that the Super Eagles have failed to qualify for the World Cup back-to-back since Qatar 2022,” Okorowanta noted.

“If we had a solid Flying Eagles team that emerged from a strong Golden Eaglets squad, then it wouldn’t be difficult for the Super Eagles to secure World Cup qualification.

He added: “The Golden Eaglets have failed to qualify for three straight World Cups. It hurts deeply knowing that this same team had been champions of the world on multiple occasions.”

Tarila Offers to Serve Nigerian Football in Any Capacity

“Those engaged, both past and present, talking about the former internationals, or ex-footballers, have done great jobs. But more needs to be done, considering that literally all our men’s national teams are struggling as we speak.

“Kudos to the ex-players who have helped in different capacities over the years to build our national teams. But all hands must be on deck now to ensure we do better and excel. The job isn’t for a few people. It is for all of us. I am stepping forward to add value in this regard.

“This is why I am offering my service. I just want to contribute my quota. I have a lot to offer, just like others. Having played for the Flying Eagles and Green Eagles (now Super Eagles), and attended various coaching courses with the necessary exposure to back them up, I am convinced that my contributions will help the teams, depending on the role handed to me.

“I can serve as a team coordinator or manager of any of the teams. I can be a member of the federation’s technical committee. Just anywhere,” Okorowanta concluded.