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Some years back, there were persistent calls for ex-Nigeria internationals who are certified coaches to take up roles at NPFL clubs against the backdrop of futile jostle for national teams’ jobs. The trio of Emmanuel Amuneke, Daniel Amokachi, and Finidi George are some of the notable Nigerian legends that have heeded the call and are currently laying down the marker in the Nigerian topflight, writes GODWIN AIKIGBE
EMMANUEL AMUNEKE (HEARTLAND)
Renowned for scoring Nigeria’s goals in their 2-1 win over Zambia in the final of the 1994 AFCON in Tunisia, the 53-year-old returned to the NPFL on August 5, when he was announced as the head coach of Heartland FC of Owerri.
Obviously the most travelled of the three, Amuneke cut his coaching teeth at Al Hazm in assistant capacity in 2008 before taking up the reins at boyhood club Julius Berger, Ocean Boys, Nigeria U17, Al Khartoum, Tanzania National Team, Zanaco, and Misr Lel Makkasa in 2021. He joined the Eagles as an assistant coach under Augustine Eguavoen in 2022.
Heartland were relegated last season, but luckily retained their status after replacing Beyond Limits, a sister club of Remo Stars. The Naze Millionaires have not turned the corner as they remain poor this term, only securing their first win of the campaign, a 2-0 victory against Niger Tornadoes, courtesy of Michael Ogu’s brace at Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri on Sunday.
Prior to the matchday 5 fixture, Heartland had recorded one draw and three defeats. The win was a sweet relief for Amuneke, who in a post-match conference said, “I am happy for the players. We deserved this moment of joy. It has given us a relief, and it will give us the confidence going into our next match against El Kanemi.”
FINIDI GEORGE (RIVERS UNITED)
Also, an integral part of the Super Eagles team that won the AFCON in 1994 followed by a sterling outing at the World Cup later that year in the USA, Finidi currently rules the dugout at Rivers United, his second NPFL job, having coached Enyimba last season, securing Cup ticket with the People’s Elephant following a third-place finish.
Also 53, the former Nigeria winger cut his NPFL teeth in September 2021, when he landed the Enyimba role.
In April 2024, he was appointed coach of the Super Eagles, but stayed briefly in the saddle due to a couple of poor results.
Before the Super Eagles stint, Finidi was the assistant coach to Jose Peseiro and was the interim coach who led the team to beat Ghana 2-1, ending 18 years of unsuccessful attempts to defeat the Black Stars.
Despite his regrettable Super Eagles spell, the former Real Betis star continues to carve a niche for himself in the Nigerian elite division, with his current club Rivers United in pole position of the NPFL standings with 13 points from five games, a position they attained after edging Akwa United 2-1 at Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
DANIEL AMOKACHI (LOBI STARS)
Da Bull, as the Jos-born was fondly called during his active days, Amokachi was appointed as the technical adviser of Lobi Stars on October 7 as a replacement for Eugene Agagbe following a major shakeup in the club’s board.
Like Amuneke, the 51-year-old, who scored 13 goals in 44 appearances for Nigeria between 1990 and 1999, has vast NPFL coaching experience from occupying the saddle at Nasarawa United, Enyimba, and Ifeanyi Ubah.
He also boasts international exposure with spells at JS Hercules of Finland as well as serving as coach of the Super Eagles in interim and assistance capacities.
However, Lobi being 17th in the NPFL standings with four points in as many matches doesn’t make his position enviable, as he is being banked upon for turning point seemingly hard to achieve.
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