The mid-1990s was the golden era of Nigerian football, but one of the players in that team believes the current squad is capable of replicating that feat
Former Nigerian midfielder Emmanuel Amuneke believes the current crop of players in Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr's disposal can restore Nigeria's glory days.
Amuneke stated this on the backdrop of the sterling performance of some of the Super Eagles stars in the just- concluded season in Europe.
Recall that Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi won the FA Cup with Leicester City after defeating Chelsea 1-0 in the final. Paul Onuachu lifted the Belgian FA Cup with Genk and was also was named Belgian Pro League Player of the Year.
The 26-year-old delivered spectacular performances in the 2020-21 season, helping the Blue and White to finish as runner-up in the Belgian top-flight and qualify for the Champions League.
The Nigeria international bagged 35 goals across all competitions for John van den Brom’s men amid other dazzling displays.
In the same vein, Samuel Chukwueze won the Europa League with Villarreal after defeating Man United 11-10 on penalties on Wednesday.
Reacting to the development, the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner told Soccernet.ng that he hopes the players will replicate their impressive showing in Europe with the Super Eagles.
He said that Rohr would benefit from the success of the Super Eagles players when the team face Cameroon and Mexico in an international friendly game in June and July.
“I'm really impressed with the general performance of the Super Eagles players with their respective clubs in Europe,” Amuneke said.
“Most especially, with the recent victory of Villarreal against Man United in the Europa League, where you have a Nigerian in Samuel Chukwueze.”
“Before now, the likes of Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheaancho also made Nigeria proud by winning the FA Cup with Leicester City.
“While Paul Onuachu painted the Belgian League with goals and won the Belgian League Cup and top scorer.”
“It's an indication that the current crop of players in the Super Eagles are capable of restoring the team's glory days,” Amunek concluded.
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