Bayelsa United head coach Meremu Okara has revealed that his decision to be honest about his age forced him to decline an invitation to the Nigeria U-23 camp ahead of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, where the country went on to win football gold.
Okara made the disclosure in an exclusive interview with Completesports.com on the eve of Bayelsa United’s Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 29 fixture against Kun Khalifat FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.
Nigeria’s triumph at the Atlanta Olympics remains the first and only time an African nation has won the men’s football gold medal at the Games.
Early Career Across Nigerian Clubs
Okara enjoyed a successful playing career that began with Agip FC of Port Harcourt in 1986, where he played alongside former Super Eagles winger Finidi George, now the Technical Manager of Rivers United.
He moved to Femo Scorpions FC in 1987 and shared the dressing room with notable players including Dimeji Lawal, Mutiu Adepoju and Emma Okocha.
In 1989, the right wing back joined International Breweries Limited FC in Ilesa, playing alongside Shola Akinsola and John Omugele.
His career progressed further in 1990 when he signed for Julius Berger FC, where he featured with players such as Sunday Oliseh, Isaac Semitoje and Jide Oguntuase.
Okara later moved to Shooting Stars Sports Club in 1991. At the Ibadan club, he played with Dotun Alatise, Golden Ajebo and Felix Owolabi.
After several seasons in Nigeria, he moved abroad in 1997 to join Maccabi Herzliya of Israel. Later that year he also played for Stella FC of Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire before returning to Nigeria following a recurring shoulder injury.
Why He Turned Down U-23 Eagles Invitation
Okara explained that his principles guided his decision to decline the invitation to the Olympic squad.
“When I was invited to the U-23 Eagles camp ahead of the qualifiers, I declined the invitation based on principle,” he said.
“I was convinced that I was above the 23 year age limit, so I sincerely told the NFF that I would not come because I was over the age.
“Fortunately, the team qualified and went on to win the gold medal, something no African country had done before. That was how I missed the fame, honour and rewards that came with the achievement. But I am happy I stood by my principle.”
Injury That Ruled Him Out of AFCON 1990
Okara also recalled another painful moment in his career when he missed the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria due to injury.
At the time he was playing for International Breweries Limited FC in Ilesa.
He explained that his club was travelling to Bauchi for a Challenge Cup third place match when the team was involved in an accident.
“We had an accident on the way and I sustained injuries. I could not recover in time to attend the national camp or make the team for the tournament,” he said.
Okara added that then Super Eagles coach Clemens Westerhof had planned to monitor his recovery before the injury setback.
“I remember Westerhof wanted his coaches to monitor me. The late Christian Chukwu was among those sent to watch our matches and track my recovery, but it never worked out.”
Coach Speaks on Nigeria’s World Cup Qualification Debate
The Bayelsa State born coach also shared his thoughts on the controversy surrounding Nigeria’s petition to FIFA over DR Congo’s alleged use of ineligible players during the 2026 World Cup play off in Morocco.
Okara said Nigeria should focus on qualifying through performance on the pitch.
“I am a Nigerian with patriotic blood running through me. I always want Nigeria at the World Cup because we have the potential,” he said.
“But honestly, we put ourselves in this position during the qualifiers. If the team had shown the urgency and intensity earlier, we would not be in this situation.
“Yes, rules must prevail, but Nigeria is too big a football nation to qualify for the World Cup through the back door. We should move on and start preparing for the next edition.”
Praise for NPFL Calendar Alignment
Okara also praised the leadership of the Nigeria Premier Football League for aligning the domestic league calendar with that of the English Premier League.
He commended NPFL chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye and his management team for achieving what he described as a major milestone.
“In the past it looked impossible, but what Elegbeleye and his team have done deserves commendation,” Okara said.
“Now our league can end on the same day as the EPL. Players who want to travel abroad for trials during the summer window can do so without disrupting their clubs’ programmes.
“This also allows coaches to plan their season properly. I believe more positive innovations will come.”
Player Exodus Behind Striker Shortage
The Bayelsa United coach also addressed concerns about the shortage of prolific strikers in the NPFL.
According to him, the constant movement of talented players abroad has reduced the number of quality attacking options available to domestic clubs.
He referenced comments by Rivers United coach Finidi George when asked about signing new strikers.
“Finidi George gave the perfect answer when he was asked about signing strikers,” Okara said.
“He asked, ‘Where are the strikers? Show me one and I will buy.’
“That reflects the reality. There are hardly quality strikers left in the country. Once a player scores three or four goals, he moves to Europe. Now even football academies are losing their best talents early.”
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