As reactions trail Super Eagles’ 1-0 AFCON qualifier shock defeat, Super Eagles’ Assistant Coach Emmanuel Amuneke gave his take on the Nigerian national football team’s recent poor performances.
Amuneke in an exclusive interview on News Central’s Sports show IN THE GAME expressed his displeasure over the drop in performance of the national team.
The result means Guinea-Bissau is now on top of Group A with 7 points from three games, while Nigeria is in second position with 6 points from the same number of games.
According to the former international footballer, there are a few factors responsible for the Super Eagles’ slump.
Amuneke was quick to point out that Nigerians and Africans, in general, are superstitious and that blaming the pitch or stadium for the team’s loss is not the way to go. He also highlighted the fact that Nigerian players ply their trade in Europe, which is a different environment and atmosphere, and as such, it’s not surprising to see them struggle when playing on home soil.
The coach also stressed the importance of giving players from the Nigerian league a chance, citing the fact that most players in the ’80s came from the local league. He emphasised that the Super Eagles could never lose their brand and that players will come and go, but the team’s identity and legacy will remain. Amuneke revealed his readiness to coach the team (Super Eagles) if called upon to do so.
Amuneke, however, warned that the team needs to get its act together, as other African teams are stepping up their game. He noted that if the Super Eagles don’t improve, the three trophies they have won so far might be the only ones they’ll ever win in Africa.
Emmanuel Amuneke currently coaches the Zambian league outfit, Zanaco FC; played as a winger during his days in the Nigerian Colours and 2015 Winner of the FIFA U17 World with the Nigerian U17 team.
He is remembered for his famous goal against Argentina in Nigeria’s journey to winning gold in the Olympics in Atlanta 96.