He was a surprise inclusion at the 2021 AFCON list prepared by Gernot Rohr but the Franco-German’s dismissal put paid to his Super Eagles dreams, similar to what he suffered with Arsenal in the past
Austin Amutu was invited as part of a 40-man squad before the 2021 AFCON but was yanked off when Rohr was sacked as Super Eagles coach.
Amutu stated that he wasn’t surprised with his exclusion as he has always suffered that kind of fate from people he won’t mention their names.
In his narration, he revealed how he was close to joining Arsenal (then under Arsene Wenger), from Warri Wolves, but the deal collapsed.
He said NFF President, Amaju Pinnick was the Chairman of Warri Wolves at the time.
“The very first time they called me about the national team I knew something like this is going to come up. I don’t want to call names,” per AllNigeriasoccer.
“Ever since I had this encounter with Arsenal, when I was in Warri Wolves I had a deal for Arsenal so I know how it ended so ever since then I have been having this challenge.
“I just zeroed my mind not to go to the national team. A lot of people are pushing even when Siasia was there he called me several times. He asked me to come to Abuja to see him and I did.
“I met some men, they called me that they want to see me, I went there. At the end of it all my name was there and was cleaned.”