Emmanuel Amunike, ex-Barcelona and Super Eagles' winger, has indicated his willingness to take on the role of head coach for the Super Eagles amid the uncertainty surrounding Jose Peseiro's future.
The Portuguese trainer completed his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation after the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024), during which he guided the Super Eagles to a second-place finish.
The Super Eagles lost 2-1 to the host nation Ivory Coast in the final of AFCON 2024, a match that many had expected Peseiro and his team to win comfortably.
Emmanuel Amunike fancies Super Eagles job
The 53-year-old has recently sparked interest in his potential involvement with the national team, amidst swirling speculation about him potentially assuming the role of head coach for the Super Eagles.
Reflecting on his lifelong dedication to Nigerian football, Amunike affirmed, “I am a Nigerian. All my life, I have served Nigeria as a player.”
With humility, he acknowledged the possibility of contributing further, stating, “If Nigerians now find me fit to add value to the team, of course, it is a welcome development.”
However, the 1994 AFCON champion tempered expectations, emphasising, “But for now, it is not necessary to talk about this issue.” Instead, he pointed out the importance of unity and support, noting, “We have to support the team and other Nigerians; they are going through a lot of sadness.”
“We all want the best for our country, the best for our football. This has to be respected,” Amunike stated.
Has Amunike the managerial competence and nous to manage the Super Eagles?
Emmanuel Amunike's football career stands as a testament to success, marked by notable achievements across various clubs. He graced the fields of Zamalek, Sporting CP, Barcelona, Albacete, Busan I'Park, and Al-Wehdat, leaving an indelible mark and garnering numerous accolades.
Among his honors are the titles of 1994 CAF African Footballer of the Year and the 1996 BBC African Footballer of the Year.
Conversely, his foray into management paints a different picture. While he soared to victory as the coach of the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria, clinching the 2015 FIFA World U17 championship, Amunike's managerial track record lacks the luster of his playing days.
Nonetheless, his tenure saw the emergence of talents like Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chwukueze, pivotal figures in the Eaglets' triumph.
Could Peseiro continue as Super Eagles coach?
According to reports, a provision in Peseiro's contract stated that the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) would entertain the possibility of extending his tenure if Nigeria progressed to the semi-finals of the AFCON.
Peseiro met this condition by leading the Super Eagles to the final, where they suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to hosts Cote d’Ivoire.
However, as it stands, the NFF has not made any announcements regarding Peseiro's contract status. Notably, on Tuesday, Peseiro was honored with a national award, being named a member of the Order of the Niger, alongside his Super Eagles players.
