Emmanuel Amunike Speaks Out Following Finidi George’s Appointment As Super Eagles Coach

• The Nigeria Football Federation recently named Finidi George as coach of the Super Eagles
• Emmanuel Amunike was considered as a favourite for the role during the recruitment phase
• The former Barcelona forward has reacted after missing out on being named as Nigeria coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) might have appointed a new manager for the Super Eagles, but the conversation surrounding the managerial role is still far from over.

The managerial saga, which spanned over three months, featured many names being linked with taking charge of the national team after the departure of Jose Peseiro.

Among those associated with the Super Eagles' coaching role was former Barcelona winger, Emmanuel Amunike, who at one point seemed to be a front-runner for the job.

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However, the NFF eventually chose to appoint Finidi George, who served as a former assistant to Peseiro and was serving as interim boss.

In the aftermath of the appointment, Amunike has since reacted, airing his thoughts on the coaching saga.

Amunike speaks on Super Eagles job

In an interview covered by Punch Sports, the 53-year-old, seemingly dissatisfied with how his name was handled in the media during the recruitment process, expressed his thoughts:

"They succeeded in tarnishing my name in the media over the [Super] Eagles job. They can continue their propaganda, but I will remain composed. This job is not a matter of life and death.

"All those allegations made in the media about the Eagles job are clearly untrue, but those who recommended candidates for the job know I cannot be easily intimidated. I understand there is still animosity with these officials, but it's okay."

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The former Barcelona star, who guided Tanzania to their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in over 30 years in 2019, also managed Egyptian side, Misr El-Makkasa.

Amunike also enjoyed success with the Nigerian age-grade team, guiding them to victory in the 2015 U-17 World Cup in Chile.

As a player, he claimed Olympic gold in 1996, following his brace that secured Nigeria's second AFCON title in 1994.

Why NFF opted for Finidi over Amunike

Sports Brief has also previously reported on a Nigeria football chief explaining why the NFF chose Finidi over Amunike.

The Super Eagles legend was widely considered a front-runner for the role but the interim boss was given the chance instead.