Bermuda Football Association have distanced themselves from speculation linking former Nigeria international Sam Okpodu with the senior national team coach’s position.Rumours circulated in the Nigerian media yesterday that Okpodu, who led the Super Eagles women’s team to the 2003 World Cup, could be considered for the vacant post, having recently visited the Island to conduct a soccer camp at TN Middle School.However, Mark Wade, BFA player development committee chairman, said they had not spoken to Okpodu regarding the position, which is expected to be filled before February 29 a date fixed by FIFA for international matches.“I can’t say anything, really. I personally haven’t made any contact with (Okpodu). Other than that, I can’t comment on where we are in the process (of appointing a national team coach),” said Wade.The Nation newspaper in Nigeria yesterday reported that Okpodu was “in the race for the post of national coach of Bermuda”.The article read: “Okpodu who led Super Falcons to the 2003 World Cup, is reported to have made a major impact during the 5-day camp aimed at discovering more talents to beef up the country’s senior female national team.“US-based Okpodu according to those pushing his case, has what it takes to re-position football to meet with Bermuda’s aspiration to take the game to the next level and compete on a higher pedestal.“The Nigerian tactician will, however, need to outshine other contenders in the final analysis including former English pro Kyle Lightbourne, who is staging a comeback to the position.”Okpodu, who coached the Virginia Tech women’s team for 10 seasons, is no stranger to Bermuda having held several camps on the Island in recent years. He is currently the South Carolina youth soccer executive director.Since Devarr Boyles, director of player development, completed his brief stint as interim national coach in recent World Cup qualifying campaign, the BFA have sounded out a number of potential candidates about taking the post permanently.Among those that have shown a serious in the position is former Coventry and Stoke striker Kyle Lightbourne, who has served as national coach in the past.During his previous two-year term as national coach Lightbourne guided Bermuda into the top 120 countries in FIFA’s World Rankings.As many as seven Caribbean countries had been invited to play Bermuda in an international friendly next month.Antigua and Barbuda have confirmed they are among the teams to have been approached.Bermuda haven’t had a permanent coach since Kenny Thompson stepped down after the Digicel Cup in 2008.