It’s a new dawn in Nigerian sports as President Muhammadu Buhari appoints former Super Eagles forward Daniel Amokachi as Special Assistant on sports.
The letter confirming the 47-year-old’s appointment was signed by Secretary to the federal government Boss Mustapha which was dated August 17, 2020.
The statement from the ministry of youth and sports development reveals that Amokachi’s new role will see him advise the president on sports-related matters.
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“I am pleased to inform you that Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has approved your appointment as Special Assistant on Sports,” read the statement.
“The appointment takes effect from the 11th of August, 2020. As Special Assistant on Sports, Amokachi is expected to advise the President on all sports matters.
“The former Everton of England player was earlier in the year named Nigeria’s Football Ambassador. Although a ceremonial role, as Ambassador he is expected to mentor youngsters.”
His is charged with the responsibility of assisting the federal ministry of youth and sports development to scout and mentor players.
Amokachi who was nicknamed “the bull” during his playing days for his electrifying pace and strength enjoyed success in the years he featured for Premier League side Everton, Club Brugge and Besiktas among other clubs before his retirement.
“The Bull” won the FA Cup and FA Charity Shield during his time with the Toffees and lifted the Turkish Cup with Besiktas.
Amokachi successfully registered 44 caps and 13 goals to his name during his playing years for the Super Eagles.
He was a crucial part of the Nigeria national team that clinched the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations title and featured prominently at that World Cup tournament in the same year and the 1998 edition.
Amokachi also assisted the Nigerian football team win the Olympic gold medal in 1996, scoring in the final against Argentina.
After he retired as a professional footballer, He started off his managerial career as the assistant coach to Stephen Keshi at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, where the Super Eagles secured the title for the third time in it’s history.
Amokachi has also meddled in Nigerian club football where he managed sides like Nasarawa United, Enyimba and Ifeanyi Ubah. He also moved to the foreign scene where he was head coach of Finnish club JS Hercules.
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