Daniel Amokachi capable of qualifying Super Eagles for World Cup, win it, says Onjeh

Daniel Amokachi, a name synonymous with Nigerian footballing excellence, is once again in the spotlight. This time, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, a passionate supporter of the Super Eagles and candidate of the APC for the Benue South Senatorial District in the 2023 General Election, in a statement released on Friday advocated for Amokachi to take the helm as head coach of the Super Eagles. Comrade Onjeh’s bold statement hinges on Amokachi’s impressive career as a player, coach, and footballing mind, making him a prime candidate for leading the national team to glory.

Amokachi’s journey, Onjeh stated, began in Nigeria with Ranchers Bees, later showcasing his skills for European giants like Club Brugge, Everton, Besiktas, and Colorado Rapids. He carved a niche for his powerful runs, clinical finishing, and trademark “Bull in a China Shop” style of play. On the international stage, Amokachi was a force to be reckoned with. A key member of the triumphant 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winning squad and a participant in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, he etched his name in Nigerian footballing history. Amokachi was in Dream Team, Nigeria’s Olympic football team which won Africa’s first Olympic football gold medal at the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996.

Amokachi, Onjeh stressed, didn’t shy away from pursuing knowledge after hanging up his boots. He attended reputable coaching schools and holds recognized coaching qualifications. In 2023 he attended a coaching course in Morocco organized by Direction Technique Nationale (DTN) in collaboration with the Ligue Régionale Souss-Massa where he earned a CAF A coaching certification. His coaching experience encompasses Nigerian clubs like Nasarawa United and Enyimba, as well as a stint with JS Hercules in Finland. He has also garnered valuable insights as an assistant coach for the Super Eagles under Shuaibu Amodu and Stephen Keshi respectively.

Furthermore, Amokachi’s transition to the analyst’s booth as a pundit and commentator with Super Sports has kept him deeply embedded in the footballing world. His sharp observations and tactical analyses demonstrate his understanding of the modern game.

Comrade Onjeh’s call for Amokachi’s appointment goes beyond mere admiration. It’s a call to action for the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to embrace homegrown talent. For too long, the tendency has been to prioritize foreign coaches at a significant expense. And seldom do these foreign coaches deliver the goods. “Despite the huge amount spent on their bogus salaries,” Comrade Onjeh opined, “no foreign coach has taken us beyond the second round of the World Cup.” He argues that Nigeria boasts a wealth of qualified coaches like Amokachi who understand the nuances of the Nigerian player and the expectations of the fans.

Comrade Onjeh argues that Amokachi’s playing experience instilled in him a winning mentality and a deep understanding of the beautiful game. His coaching journey has equipped him with tactical knowledge and leadership skills. The added benefit of his analytical prowess gained through punditry further strengthens his candidacy. This unique and potent blend positions him to not only qualify the Eagles for the World Cup and AFCON but also to lead them to victory.

Concluding, Comrade Onjeh pointed out that Amokachi’s appointment wouldn’t just be about immediate success, it would also be an investment in the future. It would set a precedent for nurturing local coaching talent and fostering a culture of self-belief within Nigerian football. “The time has come for the NFF to take a bold step and trust in the expertise of someone like Daniel Amokachi, a true Nigerian footballing legend,” Onjeh declared. “His coaching expertise and technical prowess were suppressed the couple of times he served as the Super Eagles’s assistant coach. Handing him the head coach mantle and the freedom to express himself that comes with it would undoubtedly bring his best to the fore to the glory of our nation.”