Former international Emmanuel Babayaro has defended Daniel Amokachi’s decision to turn down the role of Super Eagles assistant coach due to what he described as demeaning terms. Amokachi, who was appointed as an assistant to head coach Finidi George in May, declined the position after the Nigeria Football Federation NFF presented conditions that included no salary and a role entirely at the head coach’s discretion.
Babayaro expressed his support on social media, highlighting the disrespectful nature of the conditions communicated to Amokachi. He emphasized that Amokachi accepted the position initially but refused to agree to the recent terms.
The former Chelsea player also urged the public to refrain from criticizing Amokachi without understanding the full context and to allow the national team to focus on their upcoming game against South Africa, noting that unnecessary distractions could be detrimental.
Editorial
The recent developments surrounding Daniel Amokachi’s rejection of the Super Eagles assistant coach role raise significant concerns about the treatment of our football legends by the Nigeria Football Federation NFF. Amokachi, a respected figure in Nigerian football, was presented with conditions that were not only demeaning but also unprofessional. Offering such terms to someone of his calibre shows a lack of respect and appreciation for his contributions to the sport.
We stand with Amokachi in his decision to reject these conditions. This incident reflects a broader issue within the NFF’s management and their approach to hiring and valuing coaches. It is essential for the NFF to establish fair and respectful terms of employment that reflect the expertise and experience of individuals like Amokachi.
The focus should be on creating an environment that supports and respects our national team’s coaching staff, ensuring they can perform their roles without undue stress or disrespect. As we prepare for crucial World Cup qualifiers, it is imperative that the team and coaching staff operate in a harmonious and supportive environment.
We call on the NFF to reconsider their approach and to provide Amokachi, and others in similar positions, with the respect and terms they deserve. This situation should serve as a wake up call to address the systemic issues within the federation and to foster a culture of respect and professionalism.
Did You Know?
- Daniel Amokachi was part of the Nigerian squad that won the 1994 African Cup of Nations and participated in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups.
- Amokachi also played for top European clubs, including Everton and Beşiktaş, during his professional career.
- Emmanuel Babayaro, who supported Amokachi, is a former Nigerian goalkeeper and an Olympic gold medalist from the 1996 Atlanta Games.
- The Nigeria Football Federation NFF has faced several controversies over the years regarding the treatment and payment of coaches and players.
- The role of an assistant coach is crucial in providing tactical support and player development, making it essential for such positions to be treated with respect and proper compensation.
