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Tag: Daniel Amokachi

  • South Africa deserves U-20 AFCON title, says Amokachi

    South Africa deserves U-20 AFCON title, says Amokachi

    By Joshua Osinowo

    A member of the CAF Technical Study Group (TSG) at the U-20 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Egypt 2025 , Daniel Amokachi, has praised the South African team for winning the recently concluded tournament in Cairo, Egypt.

    The South African team on Sunday beat their Moroccan counterparts 1-0 though a stunning second-half strike by Gomolemo Kekana in the 70th  minute to claim their first honour at this level.

    Amokachi said the South Africans that incidentally stopped Nigeria in the semi-finals, deserved to be crowned African champions, praising their football philosophy that prioritizes quality and offensive play.

    He attributed their success to a well-structured league and talented players, highlighting their quick passes and smooth ball movement as particularly captivating.

    He cited their unity of purpose and camaraderie as key strengths for their success.

     “ I stayed in the same hotel with the team and I see how the players the staff interact with themselves, I had a session, a morning session with them and you can see the oneness in them and they want to play football and it’s good to see what the philosophy is and how they keep it going,” noted the former Nigeria international.

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    According to Amokachi, the team’s resilience and determination was  evident in their ability to bounce back from setbacks,  adding with a talented squad and a solid team philosophy, South African football  has a promising future.

    “South Africa has a philosophy, I think in that region that they have been doing well, the movement of the players, the fitness of the players and the smooth passes, that is something you would love to see when  watching  the South Africans,” the former English FA Cup winner with Everton, noted.

    “ They showcased that  from the first game when they played Egypt in a game I thought they shouldn’t  have lost  but they  lost.

    “ But the bounce back in the next two games, that definitely shows the characters in the players,” he added.

  • ‘Xmas: Amokachi hosts  Lobi  Stars  in joyful celebration

    ‘Xmas: Amokachi hosts  Lobi  Stars  in joyful celebration

     Technical Adviser of Lobi Stars Football Club, Daniel Amokachi, transformed D’ Fudi in Makurdi into a vibrant celebration venue by hosting players and staff to a spectacular Christmas Day  dinner that embodied the spirit of unity and togetherness.

    Declaring the evening open, the former Super Eagles star, exuded charisma and warmth.

    “Feel alright,” he said. “Joy is essential in everything you do. Have fun tonight, but do not forget yourselves…training resumes after the fun!”

    His words, partly  playful and purposeful, set the tone for a night of celebration and connection.

    The atmosphere was alive with the melodious  music, the aroma of delicious delicacies, and the clinking of glasses in cheerful toasts.

    Players and staff arrived with their families, creating a warm and inclusive environment that fostered a sense of belonging.

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    Laughter echoed through the venue as team members danced, shared stories, and enjoyed each other’s company, strengthening the bonds that unite them.

    Amokachi, ever the gracious host, mingled with ease, spreading warmth and cheer.

    By the end of the night, the gathering was not just a team but a family, united in joy and purpose, with a renewed sense of unity and belonging that will propel them forward.

    As the lights dimmed, one thing was certain that “the memories of that Christmas dinner would linger in their hearts, fuelling their drive on and off the pitch with a sense of optimism, empowerment, and a belief in their collective potential.

  • Amokachi, Udo laud Akpabio over Senate President Cup

    Amokachi, Udo laud Akpabio over Senate President Cup

    Former  Nigeria  International  duo of Daniel Amokachi   and Patrick Udoh  has  applauded  Senate President Godswill Akpabio for endorsing the 10th  edition of the  Senate President’s U-18 Boys Unity Cup.

    Organised under  the  auspices of the  Grassroots Sports Federation ,  the opening ceremony  of  this  year’s  tournament  tagged  ‘Renewed Hope 1st Edition’  is expected to hold on November  10th at the Old parade Ground  in Abuja.

    Expected to be in attendance as the Principal  Guest of Honour   is  Dr. Akpabio , the current  Senate President  along with  the Deputy President of the Senate , Barau Jibrin as the Special Guest of Honour  as well as other Senators of the  10th  Senate.

     “I want to acknowledge  the contributions of the  distinguished  Senate President Godswill Akpabio  towards  sports development especially football,” Amokachi,  the  1994 Africa Cup of  Nations winner , said.“ I was there when he was the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and the  what he did in developing young stars that  came through to play in the Nigerian league   along with few  others who had gone out top play professional  football outside the shores of Nigeria.

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     “I’m sure, a lot of talented  young stars would be found at the coming Senate President Cup  and  I want to say  that the distinguished  Senate President should continue to do what he is doing .

    “ We are seeing all what you are  doing especially the efforts  in developing young talents in Nigeria.

    “ Thanks so much sir; don’t get  tired with us because   you are  the man,”  noted Amokachi who is currently attached  with Lobi Stars as  Technical Director.

    Similarly, Ex-goalkeeper Udoh, a member of the Flying Eagles to Mexico  1983 U-20 World Cup, has equally  saluted Dr. Akpabio’s  magnanimity towards development of sports  over the years,  adding his efforts  over the years have impacted positively on the youths.

    He said:“ I wish to express my deep appreciation to the distinguished  Senate President Godswill Akpabio  for endorsing the 10th  Senate President Cup under-18 Unity Cup . May God continue to bless you  for fostering  unity amongst the youths  and discouraging youth restiveness . Actually, he did it when he was the governor  and I would be there to grace the occasion as one of the tournament’s ambassadors .”

    Meanwhile, the  coordinator of  the  tournament, Hon. John Bassey Ekpenyong ,  has informed  that arrangements  are now in an advanced stage  towards a hitch-free opening ceremony  where Young Stars of Ikot Ekpene  (Akwa Ibom)  and Kebbi Selected (Kaura Boys)   will kick-start  the tourney.

  • Amokachi rues Lobi Stars’ loss to Remo Stars

    Amokachi rues Lobi Stars’ loss to Remo Stars

    Technical Adviser of Lobi Stars FC,  Daniel Amokachi feels the Pride of Benue’s slim defeat to Remo Stars in a match day 10 NPFL encounter was not a true reflection of the game.

    The Makurdi-based side put in a superlative performance against Remo Stars,  creating good scoring opportunities, which were enough to pull a point back home; however, missed chances by Martins Ossy and Jimmy Iteji prevented the team from securing a vital point.

    Reacting after the defeat at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Amokachi said his players played very well despite the outcome of the encounter.

    He acknowledged that the lads are adapting very well to his philosophy which has improved them.

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    He said: “We played a 4-5-1 formation away from home, and it suits us very well. When you play like that, you need to be focused 120% but when you go to sleep, you get punished.

    “When you come into a team, and the window is closed, you work with what you have and I am happy the lads are responding very well. 

    “Tactically, if you watch the game, they had a decent game. We will keep doing what we have to do and pick points away from home because it will do us well.”

    He promised to sort out the grey areas he identified and pick the positive gains while pledging to put the team in shape before the Abia Warriors visit on match day 11 at the Lafia City Stadium.”

  • Amokachi demands hard work from Lobi Stars

    Amokachi demands hard work from Lobi Stars

    Lobi Stars head coach, Daniel Amokachi has urged his players to double down their efforts and remain disciplined for the Pride of Benue to bounce back to their known impressive form.

    The former league champions have been far from their best in the ongoing season and are currently 17th on the log with nine points.

    The Pride of Benue resumed training yesterday in Makurdi ahead of their weekend league tie and Amokachi told the club media that the players must be up and doing for things to work well.

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    “We resumed training this evening at McCarthy Stadium in Makurdi after our home victory over visiting Bayelsa United in Lafia, Nasarawa State, yesterday,” Amokachi said.

    Amokachi, before heading into the training session, had a brief chat with the lads, which was centered on hard work and discipline.

    The gaffer later surprised four of his players, who celebrated their birthdays with a beautiful cake to spice up the training as well as a morale booster. The players are Waheed Adebayo, Reuben Yem, Manasseh Uja and Lubem Tyosar.

  • Amokachi tips Wanyama to inspire Harambee Stars

    As Harambee Stars fine-tune their preparations in Paris ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigerian legend Daniel Amokachi has tipped skipper Victor Wanyama as the man to be relied on heavily if the country is to break their first-round jinx.

    Amokachi observed that Wanyama, who has played at the highest level in his professional career with Celtic and now Tottenham Hotspur, should make good use of his experience and guide Kenya in the second round in their sixth time of asking.

    Speaking during a live screening of the Champions League final between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday night, Amokachi said: “I don’t know much about Kenyan football but I watched their home game against Ghana in the qualifiers which I feel is probably one of their best game in the qualifiers.”

    “I think they have young players who really want to impress and Wanyama should be able to guide them to achieve something.”

    Amokachi, who scored the first goal of the UEFA Champions League with Club Brugge in a 1-0 win over CSKA Moscow in 1992, was also unhappy with how the sport is being run on the continent. “We have a lot of quality since my generation and the current is full of quality too. Lapses in administration and selection has been our undoing,” he observed. “We should not be lagging behind. I think we should allow new minds to take over, give young administrators the hand to what they have to.”

    The former Enyimba coach further challenged foreign-based African players to replicate their prowess at club level in the continental finals. For long, overseas-based players have been on the receiving end of criticism for their lacklustre performances while in national team colours and Amokachi wants them to give 100 per cent in Egypt.

    Read Also: Amokachi, Eagles and the road to Russia

    He also tipped the hosts to shine, saying: “I think the Pharaohs are favourites courtesy of being the hosts. Senegal and Nigeria are also good teams. We expect our top players to give 100 per cent in Egypt as opposed to previous events where we have seen them give about 40 to 60 per cent.”

    “We have to keep on preaching to them. We are Africans and we would like to see them replicate their club performances while with their national teams.”

    Amokachi, a former technical director with the Super Eagles, hailed the trio of Divork Origi, Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah for inspiring Liverpool to a sixth Champions League trophy and runner up finish in the English Premier League.

    The Reds saw off compatriots Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the final staged at the Wanda Metropolitano, over the weekend where Salah and Origi were on target.

    “It’s a well-deserved season for the trio for finishing second in the league and claiming a Champions League medal. It’s a beautiful thing to see two Africans score in the final. They are doing something and we as Africans have to embrace and love what they are doing,” said Amokachi.

  • Amokachi identifies with future stars in Badarawa

     

    Former international Daniel Amokachi tickled the fancy of students and future stars at a local school in the Badarawa District of Kaduna state Tuesday.

    In what could pass for ‘going back to the roots’ outing, the former Everton star revealed how delighted he was to see smiles on the faces of the students after he handed them Educational Backpack. The Bull as he is fondly called took to his twitter handle to upload a video of the said visit sealing the post with #KeepingItReal, #1girl1pen.

    “Visited A School Inn Badarawa District Kaduna State Were I Was Born & Handed Out Educational Backpack,Very Nice To See Smiles On Our Leaders Of Tomorrow… #1girl1pen #Eduplus #TheBlackBull #KeepingItReal”

    The effort of the former Super Eagles Assistant coach did not go unnoticed as former Arsenal great Nwankwo Kanu was among the first set of viewers to like the initiative.  The Bull’s effort is coming just few days after Super Eagles Captain

    John Obi Mikel launched his catch them young foundation aimed at discovering young players to be nurtured into world beaters in future.

    Amokachi, nicknamed “The Bull”, was discovered while playing for Ranchers Bees by Nigerian national team coach Clemens Westerhof ahead of the 1990 African Nations Cup.

    He subsequently headed for Club Brugge in Belgium. He competed in the Champions League and became the first player to score in the competition, after his goal secured a 1–0 win in the opening match in the group stage against CSKA Moscow.  Amokachi made over 44 appearances for the national team with 13 goals to his credit.

    His famous dance at the 1994 World cup in USA has remains nostalgic among his fans.

     

     

     

     

  • Kanu, El-Hadji Diouf, Apiah, Amokachi , others to light up Kano

    Kanu, El-Hadji Diouf, Apiah, Amokachi , others to light up Kano

    African football legends are billed to light up the ancient city  of Kano on December 14 in a novelty match against Kano Pillars.
    According to the General Coordinator,Moo Mohammed Mustapha, he listed the  ex-international footballers who will feature in the match to include former Super Eagles and two-time African Footballer of the Year, Kanu Nwankwo, El-Hadji Diouf of Senegal, Steven Apiah of Ghana, Mohammed Kalou of Sierra-leone.
    Others include Fabian Makati of South Africa, Samson Siasia, Tijani Babangida, Lukas Kadiebe of South Africa, Garba Lawal, Mutiu Adepoju, Peter Rufai, Daniel Amokachi and the host of others.
    However, Kanu Nwankwo who was present at the Press Conference in the company of Diouf appealed to the Federal Government and state governments to pick interest in the December 14 football match, designed to help the IDPs.
    “We have to do this for the IDPs because people talk about and forget about them. We call on the Federal Government, state governors, corporate organizations, wealthy individuals and Nigerians in the Diaspora to respond positively to this clarion call.
    “We should make sure that we all play a role. We want the Federal Government and the state governments to be part of this. This is a very big statement and we have to do it. This game is very important to Nigeria. It is important to raise the hope of the IDPs. We have to come to their rescue,” he stated.
    The tourney is  designed to drum up support for a fund-raising to assist the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the country.
    Meanwhile, the chairperson of the MATCH4IDPS Local Organizing Committee, Abi Goodman, the event is a charity game to raise awareness for the need to help IDPs who are victims of Boko Haram insurgency and others who are in camps across the country over one problem or the other.
    Goodman who addressed sportswriters during a pre-match press conference to create awareness for the event said, “we are here to introduce a charity and the purpose is to use the opportunity to raise awareness on the situation going on in IDP camps across Nigeria.
    “The match is designed to kick-start campaign to raise fund for the IDPs. The Match is between African football legends and Kano Pillars football club.
    It will hold at Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on the 14th of December, 2017.”
    According to her, the event became necessary to help IPDs, adding that donor agencies such as the United Nations, UNICEF and other Non Governmental Organizations have run out fund, “and there is need to use other avenues such as football to attract donors to help and support our brothers and sisters who are practically suffering in the IDPs across Nigeria.”
  • Why Daniel Amokachi left Ifeanyi Ubah FC

    Why Daniel Amokachi left Ifeanyi Ubah FC

    DANIEL Amokachi, former head coach of FC IfeanyiUbah, has revealed that he has no ill feelings leaving the Anambra Warriors and that his friendship with the owner of the club still remains very intact despite his desire to terminate his appointment.

    Amokachi resigned as the Technical Adviser on Sunday night shortly after his team lost 0-1 to Sharks FC in Port Harcourt in a Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Week 29 tie.

    In a text message from Da Bull read on Sports Tonight on Monday, Amokachi revealed that he decided it was best that both parties parted to pursue other goals barely seven games after he was named coach only last month.

    The content of the text message sent by Amokachi read in part: “I have no ill feeling leaving FC IfeanyiUbah and the owner of the club still remains my very good friend, one that I can return to whenever I am broke. It is only if I approach him for financial assistance and he doesn’t answer me that I will know that he is angry with me.”

    However, Goal has gathered from sources close to the team that Amokachi and his assistant Ike Shorounmu decided to call it quits with the Nnewi side because of the handling of the team by the owner, Chief Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah which has been allegedly described as inimical to its growth.

    Goal was told that Ifeanyi Ubah does not swallow defeat suffered by his club in good faith and that he allegedly forced his team to return to Nnewi after a league game same night they lost to Heartland in Port Harcourt at the detriment of their safety. This came before the unveiling of Amokachi.

    It was stated that the team obliged him save for former player of the side, Sani Kaita who opted not to risk his life and decided to end his romance with the team despite alleged several calls from the club owner for him to also return same night.

    Goal reliably gathered that a similar episode transpired last Sunday in Port Harcourt after the Anambra Warriors were beaten 1-0 by Sharks. It was said that directives came from Chief Ubah that the team should return to Nnewi same night after the loss to the Blue Angels.

    Goal was told by a close source that Amokachi ignored the directives and insisted that the team must stay till the following morning because of the players and the officials’ who may be exposed to danger if they embarked on the journey that night.

    It was further scooped that the former Super Eagles striker reconsidered his union with the oil and gas magnate after consistently being pressured that he must deliver a continental ticket at the end of the season among other reasons and had to tender his resignation letter before he was humiliated and kicked out.

    Under Amokachi, FC IfeanyiUbah played seven league matches winning four and losing three games before he bowed out of the post.

    Willie Udube, Bulgarian coach Mitko Dobrev, John Obuh and now Amokachi have all coached the Nnewi side this season in the top flight.

    The Anambra Warriors are tenth on the log with 41 points from 29 matches but are seven points off the continental qualifying spot presently with only nine games to the end of the season.

  • Photo: Anambra warriors unveil new coaching crew

    Photo: Anambra warriors unveil new coaching crew