Daniel Amokachi absent as Nigeria prepare for South Africa game

Finidi George, appointed head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles in May 2024, is facing setback as his first assistant, Daniel Amokachi, seems unlikely to join the team.

Amokachi, along with other crew members, was named shortly after George’s appointment, but he’s currently absent from Uyo, where the team is preparing for their first official assignment.

Uncertainty looms over the Super Eagles camp ahead of their World Cup qualifier against South Africa. Reports suggest that Daniel Amokachi has declined an offer from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Expected to assist Finidi George in his debut competitive game, doubts now surround Amokachi’s presence on the bench for the match at Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday night.

According to reports from Oga Nla Media, Amokachi is dissatisfied with the contract terms offered by the NFF. Unlike George, who will receive a fixed monthly salary, Amokachi and other backroom staff are proposed to be paid per game, a condition he reportedly rejected.

This development adds to the challenges faced by Finidi George as he readies for his first competitive match as Super Eagles boss. The team’s preparation has already been marred by the late arrival of key players due to a recent strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Nevertheless, George aims to kick off his tenure with a win. The upcoming match against South Africa holds significant importance for Nigeria, who currently trail in their qualifying group, trailing leaders Rwanda by two points and South Africa by one.

Securing a victory is crucial for the three-time African champions to enhance their standing in the group and bolster their chances of qualifying for the World Cup.