Former Olympic gold medalist, Emmanuel Amuneke, has said that although he has an interest in coaching Nigeria’s men’s football team, the Super Eagles, he is not desperate for the position.
Amuneke said this while speaking to newsmen in Owerri, the Imo State capital, News About Nigeria reports.
He said, “I am not desperate to be a Super Eagles coach, in as much as I nurse the ambition to coach. If I have the opportunity to serve my fatherland, I will accept it and deliver my all,” he said.
According to him, merit should determine the national team’s coach selection.
Amuneke, who played for Sporting Lisbon and Barcelona, trusts the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to choose wisely.
He, however, called for the need for technical expertise to unite Nigerian talents worldwide.
With crucial World Cup qualifiers ahead, he stressed the importance of appointing a substantive coach and improving grassroots football for league development.
In March, the Nigerian Football Federation began searching for a new coach for the Super Eagles following the end of Jose Peseiro’s tenure as Eagles coach. The Portuguese contract had expired the previous month.
Despite surpassing the African Cup of Nations semi-final target set by the NFF, Peseiro did not receive a new contract extension due to breakdowns in negotiations, primarily over salary.
The application notice was posted on the NFF’s website. The federation is seeking candidates with relevant coaching qualifications, extensive experience, a winning mindset, and a good understanding of African football.
Emmanuel Amuneke and Peseiro’s assistant, Finidi George, are the favourites for the job.
