The Nigerian Football Federation has denied sacking former Super Eagles striker, Daniel Amokachi as the Super Eagles assistant coach.
Amokachi was reportedly sacked by the NFF on the recommendation of Coach Stephen Keshi, who was alleged to have complained of being uncomfortable with the former Everton striker’s role in the Super Eagles.
Speaking at the weekend when the Association of Sports Veterans met in Lagos, Akinwunmi said Keshi had not complained about anybody to the federation, adding, “As a body, when the time comes we will look at the various positions and see if there are issues to be sorted out. But for now, I am not aware that Keshi has written to the Federation on Amokachi and we have definitely not sacked anybody.”
Akinwunmi also rejected the resignation of veteran journalist, Paul Bassey, from the NFF technical committee, saying the federation still needed Bassey’s contributions to the development of Nigerian football.
“We know the task ahead of us is daunting and to be successful we need all our best hands. Paul Bassey is one of the best brains we have and we will not allow him to walk away like that. His resignation has been rejected.”
Earlier in his speech, President of the Sports Veterans, Chief Jonathan Ogufere, had explained that some of the problems militating against the real development of sports in Nigeria prompted the need for the veterans to come together to contribute their quota in any way and manner possible.
“Suffice it to say that the basic aim and objective of the association is to, as professionals and veterans, offer advise based on their wealth of experiences and intervene when necessary in the interest if sports, to champion the course of development of sports in Nigeria, top cooperate with all lawful authorities, organisations and individuals, local and foreign for the promotion and welfare of the members of the sports industry, inclusive sports veterans.”