Former Super Eagles assistant coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, responded to what he described as “misleading media reports” following his application to coach the national team.
Amuneke emerged as a prominent candidate for the Eagles job; however, on Monday, he was passed over in favor of his former teammate George Finidi, who was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation as Jose Peseiro’s successor.
Leading up to the NFF’s decision, various media outlets had circulated reports suggesting a strained working relationship between Amuneke and NFF officials, particularly during his tenure with the Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles.
These reports also claimed that Amuneke had allegedly incited a pay strike among the Flying Eagles players, resulting in their failure to qualify for the 2017 U-20 AFCON.
Amuneke, a former African Player of the Year, lamented that his reputation was tarnished in the media due to the Eagles job, with another report alleging his involvement in the transfer of several Golden Eaglets players under his charge.
“I will maintain my discipline despite their propaganda. This job isn’t a matter of life or death,” Amuneke asserted.
“The allegations circulating online due to the Eagles job are clearly false. However, those who recommended candidates for the position understand that I won’t be easily intimidated. Despite any lingering animosity with certain officials, I am undeterred.”
The 53-year-old, renowned for guiding Tanzania to their first Africa Cup of Nations appearance since 1980 in the 2019 edition, also served as coach for Egyptian side Misr El-Makkasa.
He notably steered Nigeria to victory in the 2015 U-17 World Cup in Chile, securing the nation’s fifth title in the competition.
As a player, he clinched Olympic gold in 1996, following his pivotal role in securing Nigeria’s second AFCON title two years prior with a brace.
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