The Nigerian media is abuzz with reports of Daniel Amokachi's resignation as the first assistant to the new head coach of the Super Eagles, Finidi George, Soccernet.ng reports.
Although the former Everton forward is absent from the Super Eagles camp ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa, it is said that he had requested an excuse from Finidi.
No official statement has been made regarding Amokachi’s resignation. However, reports suggest that the former Ajax star and Amokachi are not on good terms.
Earlier, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) introduced the assistants who would support Finidi during his tenure as head coach of the three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions. These assistants included Amokachi, Benjamin James, Olatunji Baruwa, Chima Onyeike, and Mehmet Ozturk.
Was Amokachi Imposed on Finidi?
Speculation in the Nigerian media suggests that the NFF imposed Amokachi on Finidi as part of his contract as the head coach of the Super Eagles.
However, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau debunked these rumours, clarifying in an interview with Soccer Africa that Finidi personally selected his assistants, and the NFF did not impose any names on him.
“I am very happy when we unveiled Finidi to Nigeria. The NFF Technical Director put all the names on the list and they chose the best they felt would work. All the names you saw as assistants to Finidi were chosen by him“ Gusau said.
Finidi selected his 1994 Super Eagles teammate Amokachi as one of his assistants, with Olatunji Baruwa retaining his role as the goalkeepers’ trainer, a position he held under former coach Jose Peseiro.
Amokachi Rejects NFF Contract
Despite Gusau’s statements, Amokachi’s absence from the Eagles camp has raised questions about his status as part of Finidi’s backroom staff.
According to Nigerian journalist Tobi Adepoju, sources revealed that the former Nigerian international rejected the contract offered by the NFF.
Details of the contract have not been made public, but Amokachi’s absence appears linked to this rejection. Further reports will clarify the situation as it develops.
While Soccernet.ng awaits an official statement from the NFF, the Super Eagles, under Finidi's management, are preparing intensely for their must-win match against South Africa.
As long as Daniel Amokachi, the only MATCH READER the super eagles have is not in Finidi’s team, then they will not make any impact on their matches and we may not go to the world cup!
Believe me