Emmanuel Amunike has fired back at reports trying to soil his name after he applied for the managerial role of the Nigeria national team, Super Eagles.
Amunike termed those reports as “misleading”, as it is being sponsored by parties with ill intentions.
Emmanuel Amunike was a leading contender for the coaching job of the Super Eagles, however, he lost the job to ex-teammate Finidi George.
George, who currently handles the most successful team in Nigeria, Enyimba, was appointed manager of Nigeria on Monday, April 29, 2024, having formerly been an assistant to Jose Peseiro.
Peseiro led Nigeria to finish as runner-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, losing 2-1 to the host nation in the final played in February 2024.
Before the announcement made by the NFF, reports had circulated in the media that Amunike had a frosty relationship with officials of the Nigeria Football Federation.
Those reports pointed towards his time as the handler of the Golden Eaglets (U-17) and Flying Eagles (U-20), as the reason for the awkward relationship.
The reports also alleged that the former Barcelona player had instigated a pay strike by the Flying Eagles players, which eventually cost them qualification for the 2017 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Another report also emerged, accusing Emmanuel Amunike of unethical conduct, sharing that he was majorly involved in the transfer of several of the Golden Eaglets players under him.
Emmanuel Amunike’s Reaction To Reports About His Relationship With The Nigeria National Team
Speaking during an interview, the Nigerian football great expressed that those unmentioned respective media outlets had “succeeded in smearing” his name because of the Super Eagles job.
The former African player of the year added that he will remain disciplined despite the propaganda.
He said: “They can continue with their propaganda, but I will remain disciplined. It’s not a do-or-die job.”
Amunike however indicated that there is bad blood with these “officials”, but those reports in the media are false.
Emmanuel Amunike said: “All those allegations made in the media online because of the Eagles job are obviously not true, but those who recommended candidates for the job know I will not be easily bullied. I know there is still bad blood with these officials, but it’s fine.”
Amunike, 53, led Tanzania to the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019, the first for the nation in about 40 years, having previously made it to the continental showpiece in 1980.
The ex-Sporting Lisbon man has also coached teams like Ocean Boys FC, Al Khartoum, and Misr Lel Makkasa.
Emmanuel Amunike guided Nigeria to the 2015 U-17 World Cup in Chile, where they finished as champions for a record fifth time in history.
Amunike is a man lauded for building and spotting talents, having discovered several top stars like Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze.
The Nigerian also won several trophies during his days as a footballer, including; 2 Egyptian Premier League, 1 Copa del Rey, and 1 Africa Cup of Nations.
Emmanuel Amunike was also handed a Gold medal at the 1996 Olympics, as he was amongst the squad that defeated Argentina 3-2 in the final.
He scored the clinching goal of the game in the 90th minute, propelling Nigeria to a lovely victory that will forever be remembered in history.
