Former Nigeria international and 1996 Atlanta Olympic gold medalist, Emmanuel Amuneke, has expressed his willingness to serve as the coach of the Super Eagles if given the opportunity, stating his readiness to add value to the team.
In an interview on News Central TV, Amuneke conveyed his eagerness to contribute to Nigerian football, emphasizing his lifelong dedication to the nation as a player.
Read Also: Rising Star: Emmanuel Michael’s Inspirational Journey From Streets Of Kaduna To Flying Eagles U-20
He affirmed, “If Nigerians now find me fit to add value to the team, of course, it is a welcome development.”
However, Amuneke remained humble and focused on supporting the team amidst ongoing challenges, stating, “But for now, it is not necessary to talk about this issue.
We have to support the team and other Nigerians, they are going through a lot of sadness.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s footballing aspirations, Amuneke stressed the importance of unity and respect for the nation’s footballing endeavours.
He remarked, “We all want the best for our country, the best for our football. This has to be respected.”
In addition to his aspirations for a coaching role, Amuneke voiced concerns regarding the utilization of Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, during the recently concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
He criticized the tactical approach that led to Osimhen spending significant time defending rather than showcasing his attacking prowess.
Amuneke lamented, “You know in this AFCON, Osimhen spent a lot of time helping the team to defend, and when you have a striker that is so dangerous, move a lot and then at the end of the day he is coming to defend. I think it reduces his quality.”
Acknowledging Osimhen’s dynamic playing style, Amuneke emphasized the importance of utilizing his strengths effectively within the team’s tactical framework.
He advocated for a strategic approach that maximizes Osimhen’s abilities to contribute to the team’s attacking prowess.
As Amuneke remains open to potential coaching opportunities with the Super Eagles, his insights underscore the ongoing dialogue surrounding Nigeria’s footballing future and the quest for excellence on the international stage.
