Ex-Everton star Daniel Amokachi has revealed the story behind his famous nickname, The Bull.
The former Nigerian forward was known for his speed, technique, and physical strength, which earned him a few nicknames such as Black Bull and Black Train in his playing days.
But ‘The Bull’ insists his power-playing style even as a teenager inspired former Nigeria head coach Clemens Westerhof to give him the name that stuck with him for the rest of his career.
Amokachi was part of the team that participated in the 1994 FIFA World Cup and 1998 FIFA World Cup, while he also won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.
He also helped the Dream Team win the Olympic gold medal in 1996, scoring in the gold medal game against Argentina.
The one-time Besiktas hero forged his way into the Super Eagles fold despite the team already boasting the scoring talent of the legendary Rashidi Yekini and Friday Elahor.
His Super Eagles manager at the time, Westerhof, was impressed by the youngster’s style and at just 17 took him to the 1990 Afcon and gave him the famous moniker – The Bull.
“Clemens Westerhof gave me that name. I remember when he picked me up when I was 16, and there were big players playing who were in their 20s and were pros already,” Amokachi told the Beats And Rhymes.
“He just told me ‘go in there and bully them,’ and I go in there and do my stuff, and then he said ‘you know why I call you The Bull? Because you charge those defenders and anybody that you see in front of you.’”
this reminds one of the very good old days of nigerian foothball. when putting on the green and white jercy for any of our national teams was worte more than monetry gain or even a political apointment.