Imama Amapakabo is one of the highly rated local coaches in Nigeria. From a ten year spell at Rivers United (formerly Sharks FC) to a five year spell at Enugu Rangers international that saw him win the Nigerian professional football league title in 2016, to being the highest paid coach in 2018 at El-kanemi warriors; the rivers state born tactician has lots of experience on the local front.
Though his spells at all of these three clubs have ended in disappointment as there is always a saga at the end of the romance. Imama was sacked by Rivers United in 2012, relieved off his duties by Enugu Rangers in 2017 and he walked off his two year contract at El-kanemi in 2018.
Even with the saga, Imama was still involved with the national team as he was appointed by the Nigerian Football Federation to assist, Gernot Rohr then in 2016 alongside Salisu Yusuf, he assisted Salisu Yusuf at the 2017 WAFU Cup and 2018 CHAN.
Salisu’s eventually ban from footballing activities by FIFA opened ways for Imama as he was named coach of team B super Eagles and coach of the U-23 Olympic Eagles, however, it has been a successful road for the gaffer since then.
Imama’s home based Super Eagles did not qualify for CHAN 2020 as they knocked out by the Hawks of Togo.
At the WAFU Cup, the Imama led Eagles did not go past the quarter finals despite losing to the Togolese team again in the first round.
The U-23 AFCON tournament is current on-going and on Saturday the Imama led Olympic Eagles fell to their Ivorian opponents by a lone goal, though a controversial victory it was for the Ivorians, questions have already been asked if this Imama led side can pick one of the three ticket for an Olympic spot at Tokyo 2020 or even defend the tournament they won four years ago.
Nigeria currently sit bottom in Group B with second round match against Zambia to be played on Tuesday by 7pm (WAT) while the last match will be against rivals South Africa on Friday by 7pm (WAT).
