By Emma Jemegah
While the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is expected to name a new manager for the Super Eagles, a former Enugu Rangers and Flying Eagles star, Kingsley Onye has suggested Emmanuel Amuneke as new manager
According to him, “Amuneke is the right man for the job of the coach of Super Eagles. He has been there before. He tasted it and had been fantastic with the Nigeria youth team, the U-17 by assisting Manu Garba to win the U17 World Cup in 2013 and as head coach, led the Golden Eaglets to win the cup again in 2015.
Onye added that Amuneke’s record as a player is also very impressive, haven played and won with the Super Eagles, the AFCON 1994. He played at the Olympic Games and was also the first Nigerian to score two goals at the World Cup.
“He has played at the African Games and also for top clubs in the continent, he was a member of the Egyptian giant, Zamalek. In Europe, he played for Sporting Clube de Portuga and then Barcelona before injury ended his playing career. I want to point out that before you consider someone as a coach of the national team, you have to think about character.”
The ex-Flying Eagles player said Amuneke could get the players to be in fraternity the way he speaks with them. “Not only that, you know that most players in Nigeria have ego problems. And because of the way he communicates, can get the players to act the way he desires. He does not make loquacious statements. He can bring the players together.”
Onye-Mature, as he was fondly called during his playing days is also suggesting the NFF appoints Sylvanus Okpala to assist Amuneke as assistant.
“Okpala was of tremendous assistance to Stephen Keshi in the winning of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. It will be a good choice if either Siasia or Okpala is chosen to assist Amuneke,” he submitted.