Emmanuel Amuneke Reveals The Reason He Turned Down The NFF:: All Nigeria Soccer
Former Nigerian winger Emmanuel Amuneke took to the media to reveal the reason turned down an offer to become Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) technical director saying he was still involved with a club.
The former Nigeria winger moved to Egypt after parting ways as a head coach with the Tanzania national team, who delivered poor performances in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, as they ultimately failed to claim victory in a single match before being ejected from the tournament.
The 49-year-old winger was impressive for his country in his career days as he won several titles also being pivotal in the Super Eagles U-17 as he guided them to the 2015 World Cup.
The former Nigeria international claimed to the media that he was contacted by the NFF to take up the role of technical director in the organization, and the reason he turned them down.
The role was later given to Austin Eguavoen, a former manager of the Super Eagles team.
“I was in a difficult situation with my team as of that time and we were in a relation battle.
“Though my country comes first, I needed to respect my employers. They said they wanted me till after the season.”
He added: “No! Why? I have my principles. We are ready to serve our nation. But as individuals, we have our reputation to protect.
“If I come on board, I am a threat to Rohr. If I am here as an assistant, he will lose more concentration. He will think I am there to take his job.
“We have decided to give him the job, but let us support him. If Nigerians decide that Amuneke, we need your service, I will be there. But it is not possible [to be Rohr’s assistant]. What will I be saying? He has his own philosophy, I have mine.
“Nobody has ever told me to come and be an assistant coach and if it’ll be, it is not possible, it will never be.
“I am not better than anybody. I am not arrogant. It is unfortunate that we don’t respect our stars in Africa. I deserve a little bit of respect and I didn’t reject any job.
“After U-20, I decided to get out of the Nigerian space. I took that decision myself. At the age that I am now, I have been involved in football all my life, for me I like challenges and I am not afraid. I should make decisions for myself and respect others.”
Amuneke was known for his performance in 1994, when the Super Eagles won the Africa Cup of Nations, resulting in him being named the African Player of the Year.
