Imama reveals Amunike inspiration, wants early preparation for Kenya or Sudan

Olympics Eagles headcoach, Imama Amapakabo has revealed that Emmanuel Amunike’s feat with the Taifa Stars of Tanzania inspired him to leading Nigeria past Libya on Monday.

Former Rangers International coach was on hand as his Olympics Eagles squad overturn a 2-0 first leg deficit by scoring four against Libya to qualify for the final round of AFCON U23 qualifiers.

But it was the news of Emmanuel Amunike leading Tanzania to their first AFCON finals in 39 years that encouraged him that he and his boys could beat Libya.

“I am so proud of coach Emmanuel Amunike’s achievement,” said Imama to ScoreNigeria.

“When the news broke, I was so excited that I screamed inside the team bus.

“Then I knew it was a point of contact for me, that if Amunike did it, I knew it was going to happen for me.

“He did it with three goals and God blessed me with four goals. I congratulate Amuneke.”

Imama Amapakabo also called on the Nigeria Football Federation to help his boys with early preparation for their last qualifying clash against the winner of the clash between Kenya and Sudan.

“I believe it’s the duty of the federation to see what our short comings are and act on them. We have to wait to know who will qualify because that’s going to our next target.

“I just finished a meeting with the players and told them it is not yet over, we have a pressing task ahead of us.

“This victory is sweet, we danced well, but then it is momentary. We have to go to the next game which will qualify us to the AFCON.”