By Jacob Ajom

The contract offered Daniel Amokachi by the Nigeria Football Federation has generated so much controversy that it overshadowed the Super Eagles’ preparations for the two all-important 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

One of such qualifiers was decided yesterday in Uyo. Amokachi, one of George Finidi’s assistants, stayed away from camp.

His absence was so loud that it generated so much controversy, with some people suggesting, albeit erroneously, that there was a personality clash between Amokachi and Finidi, two former internationals who have been enjoying a cordial relationship since their active days.

However, this was quickly dismissed by a source close to the Glass House and both coaches. Speaking with Sports Vanguard, Sports journalist Tobi Adepoju said Ämokachi’s decision to stay away from the Super Eagles camp was “consistent with his rejection of the poor contract terms offered him by the NFF.

“He enjoys the best relationship with the head coach and was happy to work with him.”

Amokachi’s duty

He explained further: “The two met after Amokachi’s appointment was announced and they mapped out what Amokachi’s role would be.

“Indeed, he was assigned with the duty of sharpening the attacking strategy of the team. But when he saw the contract terms he chose to stay away.

“Reporting to camp would therefore send a wrong signal of approval or acceptance of the offer,”Adepoju said.

Jumping to the defence of Amokachi, former Nigeria goalkeeper, Emmanuel Babayaro said the contract terms were too demeaning to the person of Dan ‘Da Bull’ Amokachi.

Babayaro said the ”Da Bull” turned down the offer after he was recently presented by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, with the job conditions.

NFF terms

“Amokachi was appointed under these conditions – No salary and his appearance in any Super Eagles engagement is at the discretion of the head coach.

“How demeaning can these conditions be?” Babayaro asked.

The Nigeria Football Federation has once again demonstrated its disregard for Nigerian coaches and missed the opportunity to benefit from the experience and expertise of a dominantly homegrown technical crew that understands the Nigerian football philosophy.

No doubt, Amokachi’s experience as a former Super Eagles assistant coach, and later interim national team coach would have been of immense benefit to Finidi and, indeed, the team and Nigeria as a whole.

This means the Super Eagles will be without Amokachi’s expertise for the time being until a compromise is reached between his party and the NFF.

Amokachi is no doubt aware of the treatment Ike Shorunmu and the now-head coach Finidi suffered in the hands of the NFF during the time of Jose Peseiro.

It is important to point out that the football house should review the Amokachi contract so that the team can move on and focus on the task of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and the next AFCON, two tournaments Nigeria cannot afford to miss.

Vanguard News