The main name in the hat for the job of the senior national team of Nigeria was Emmanuel Amuneke with a lot of stakeholders backing the former U17 coach made vacant by the exit of Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Amuneke was however beaten to the job by the interim coach of the team Finidi George, who was made the permanent coach after serving under Peseiro for 20 months as his second assistant.
Finidi was picked by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) despite opposition from some top individuals in power, a choice which has drawn praises and knocks in some quarters since it was made official.
Reacting to his candidacy for the job, Amuneke decried the way his interest in the job was used by some certain individuals to smear his name. He went further to say he refused to be bullied and it led to bad blood with some officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“They succeeded in smearing my name in the media because of the Eagles job,” Amuneke said, as per the Punch.
“They can continue with their propaganda, but I will remain disciplined. It’s not do-or-die job.
“All those allegations made in the media online because of the Eagles job are obviously not true, but those who recommended candidates for the job know I will not be easily bullied. I know there is still bad blood with these officials, but its fine”.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
