Emmanuel Amunike Explains Reasons Why He Might Have Missed Out on Super Eagles Coaching Role

• Finidi George was recently appointed the new coach of the Super Eagles
• Reports hinted at reasons why Amunike missed out on the coaching post
• Amunike has had his say on why he believes that he missed out to George

The discussion surrounding the coaching vacancy for Nigeria's Super Eagles seems far from reaching a conclusion.

After a three-month recruitment process, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced Finidi George as the new coach of the Super Eagles.

This announcement has surprised many, as recent reports had suggested that Emmanuel Amunike was the frontrunner for the position.

In the wake of Finidi's appointment, and with various reactions echoing through Nigerian football circles, Amunike has shed light on a few reasons why he might have been overlooked for the role of Super Eagles coach.

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Amunike speaks on Super Eagles coaching role

In an interview reported by Score Nigeria, the former Barcelona forward discussed how his strained relationship with members of the NFF technical committee may have affected his chances of securing the Super Eagles coaching job.

"Those who recommended candidates for the Super Eagles job know I will not be easily swayed. I cannot compromise on standards," he emphasised.

"I am aware that there is still animosity with these officials, but that's okay. We will continue to strive for excellence, and one day our efforts will earn us the opportunity to lead."

Discussing other factors that contributed to his missing out on the coaching role, the 53-year-old stated:

"It's disheartening to hear murmurs suggesting that I caused Nigeria's failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, when I neither held the position of chief coach nor selected the team. How could I be blamed for the team's failure?

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"These are fabricated lies meant to deceive the Nigerian people.

"Perhaps my 'crime' was nurturing talented young players from the U17 and U20 teams for Nigeria; players like Osimhen, Chukwueze, Nwakali, and others who are now key players in the Super Eagles. Yet, these critics fail to acknowledge my contributions to Nigeria's current status in African football."

The former Tanzania manager stressed that he would continue to pursue his goals and hope to achieve them someday.

Finidi prepares to open camp

Sports Brief in another report stated 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 has just four weeks to prepare for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series against South Africa.