‘I Will Not Be Bullied’: Amunike Blasts NFF After Losing Super Eagles Job

• Emmanuel Amunike has some grievances with some NFF officials
• The former international was among the top contenders for the Super Eagles job
• Finidi George was named the Super Eagles coach by the NFF on April 29

Emmanuel Amunike has claimed there was a media campaign by some Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials to smear his image before the confirmation of the next Super Eagles coach.

The 53-year-old gaffer, who was one of the top contenders for the role, lost out to Finidi George after the NFF announced the former Real Betis midfielder as Nigeria’s permanent manager.

According to Own Goal Nigeria, Amunike stated that he refused to be bullied which led to the fallout with the NFF officials, causing him to miss out on the Super Eagles job.

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“They succeeded in smearing my name in the media because of the Eagles job. 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.”

Amunike reportedly fell out with some NFF officials while in charge of Nigeria’s Under-17 and Under-20 teams.

Allegations levelled against Amunike

Meanwhile, Amunike was accused of unethical conduct in the media, after it was alleged that the former Barcelona winger was directly involved in the transfer of several of the Golden Eaglets players under him, Punch reports.

It was also alleged that the 53-year-old manager instigated a pay strike by the Flying Eagles players in 2017, which eventually cost the team qualification for the 2017 CAF U-20 AFCON.

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Amunike won the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup with Nigeria and has also had successful spells with the senior national team of Tanzania and Egyptian club Misr El-Makkasa.

Finidi prepares to open camp

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that newly appointed Super Eagles coach Finidi is gearing up for a swift start following the confirmation of his appointment by opening the team’s camp early.

The 53-year-old, who assumed the managerial role on April 30, has just four weeks to prepare for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series against South Africa.

Despite the short period, the current Enyimba coach plans to begin the Super Eagles' training with home-based players.