Sylvanus ‘Quick Silver’ Okpala, former Super Eagles star, has stepped down from his role as Head Coach of Nigeria National League (NNL) side Edel FC Awka, after completing his self-styled ‘rescue mission’ at the club in the just-concluded 2024/2025 domestic second-tier season, Completesports.com exclusively reports.
Mid-Season Arrival Turned Edel’s Fortunes Around
The 63-year-old gaffer joined Edel midway through the 2024/2025 campaign when the club was battling relegation, following the deduction of accrued points after 1472 FC, Lagos, were suspended by the NNL Secretariat for failing to honour two fixtures.
Also Read: NNL: ‘Quick Silver’ Okpala Hailed As Edel FC Edge Closer To Safety
With just five points in their kitty going into the second stanza of the season, Okpala’s arrival as technical helmsman stabilised the team and guided them safely out of relegation waters, ensuring their NNL survival for the 2025/2026 season.
Club Confirms Okpala’s Departure
“But Sylvanus Okpala is no longer with us,” confirmed Edel FC Team Manager, Micky Chukwuebuka, when contacted by Completesports.com.
“Okpala resigned from his post, and we’ve accepted his decision. We wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Okpala’s Playing and Coaching Legacy
As a player, Okpala won several titles with Rangers International before moving to Portuguese side Marítimo in 1982, becoming the first Nigerian to travel to Europe for professional football. He later also played for C.S. Nacional.
Also Read: Onyedika Plots Great Season With Abakaliki FC After Cup Heroics, NNL Return
After an illustrious career, the former Flying Eagles captain went into coaching, managing Rangers and Enyimba at club level. He also served as assistant coach to the late Stephen Keshi when Nigeria’s Super Eagles clinched the 2013 AFCON title in South Africa.
Edel Begin Hunt For Successor
“We’ve resumed preparations for the 2025/2026 season, and we’re considering his possible successor at the moment,” Chukwuebuka added.
By Sab Osuji
