Super Eagles Job: Emmanuel Babayaro Supports Daniel Amokachi’s Decision to Reject Coaching Role

• Daniel Amokachi was named among the assistants set to work with Finidi George by the Nigeria Football Federation
• The 51-year-old, however, opted to resign from the role ahead of what would have been his first task with the team
• Amokachi's decision to step down from his role has received the backing of former shot-stopper, Emmanuel Babayaro

Former shot-stopper of the Nigerian team, Emmanuel Babayaro, has leapt in defence of Daniel Amokachi, following his decision to step down as assistant coach of the Super Eagles.

The 51-year-old, who was among the four assistants named as part of Finidi George's coaching staff, took many by surprise by opting not to show up for his first task since the appointment.

Reports had emerged courtesy of OwnGoalNigeria, stressing the former Everton forward was displeased with the terms of the contracts offered to him by the NFF.

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This is in addition to the fact that Finidi appeared inclined to work with his other assistants whom he had personally selected ahead of Amokachi.

Nonetheless, the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner’s decision to step down from his role has been greeted with palpable criticism from many within Nigeria's footballing circles, with some suggesting he is trying to disrupt the progress being made under the new manager.

In defence of his former teammate, Babayaro has attempted to explain the reasons behind Amokachi's resignation from his role.

Babayaro on Amokachi's resignation

In a post shared on his Facebook page, the 47-year-old emphasised that the contract offered to Amokachi by the NFF was demeaning.

"Amokachi was appointed Super Eagles assistant coach under these conditions: no salary, and his involvement in any Super Eagles engagement is based on necessity and subject to the head coach's discretion," claimed Babayaro.

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"How demeaning can these conditions be? Amokachi accepted the appointment as the Super Eagles assistant coach but emphatically rejected the demeaning conditions attached to it. And yes, these conditions were only communicated recently," he concluded.

So far, neither Amokachi nor the NFF has clarified why the newly appointed assistant coach has not fulfilled the role he was appointed to.

How the situation will unfold in the coming weeks will certainly be one to monitor closely.

Finidi outlines Nigeria’s aim against South Africa

Sports Brief also previously repoted that Nigeria’s coach, Finidi, has outlined his side’s objectives ahead of the showdown against South Africa.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture against Bafana Bafana will mark the inaugural match of the 53-year-old’s tenure as permanent manager.