Former Nigerian football star and 1996 Olympic gold medalist, Emmanuel Amuneke, recently addressed the media in Owerri, expressing his interest in coaching the Super Eagles but emphasizing that he was not desperate for the position. Amuneke, who previously coached the Nigeria U-17 national team and the Tanzania national team, stressed the importance of meritocracy in appointing the national team coach, advocating for someone who has the best interests of Nigerian football at heart.
Speaking from Spain, where he had a successful career as a striker for Sporting Lisbon and Barcelona football clubs, Amuneke exuded confidence in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to select the right candidate for the Super Eagles coaching role. He highlighted the abundance of Nigerian talent worldwide and emphasized the need for professional capacity, technical expertise, and consultation to harness these talents effectively and achieve the desired balance within the team.
With crucial World Cup qualification matches against South Africa and Benin Republic on the horizon, Amuneke underscored the urgency of appointing a substantive coach who could organize the team for optimal performance. Despite his ambition to coach the Super Eagles, Amuneke asserted that he was not desperate for the position but would wholeheartedly accept the opportunity to serve his country if given the chance.
Furthermore, Amuneke called for the development of football at the grassroots level to enhance the Nigerian league and uncover more talents. His remarks reflect a comprehensive approach to football development, encompassing both elite coaching and grassroots initiatives, with the ultimate goal of elevating Nigerian football to greater heights.
