NPFL: ‘Amuneke Talked Me Out Of Quitting Lobi Stars Job’ –Amokachi

Daniel Amokachi, Technical Adviser of Lobi Stars of Makurdi, has revealed that but for Emmanuel Amuneke’s late-night intervention, he would have resigned as head coach of the NPFL side, Completesports.com reports.

Amokachi spoke after his team’s 1-0 defeat to Heartland FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, in Sunday’s NPFL Matchday 20 fixture.

New signing John Bassey, making his debut for Heartland following a winter loan move from Bayelsa United, scored the decisive goal 13 minutes after the break. The hosts defended resolutely, battling fiercely to maintain their lead until the final whistle.

Also Read: NPFL: Remo Stars Beat Akwa United Away

Amokachi admitted he had been frustrated by developments around the Lobi Stars team, which nearly pushed him to quit. However, a midnight phone conversation with former African Player of the Year Emmanuel Amuneke convinced him to stay.

“There were speculations before Christmas that I was given an ultimatum by Lobi Stars management, but that’s false. I wasn’t issued any ultimatum,” Amokachi clarified.

“After the last game of the first round of the season against Heartland, I almost stepped down as head coach of Lobi Stars. I was upset, not at the team itself, but at certain things happening around us.

“Emmanuel Amuneke heard about it and called me at midnight. We talked for nearly an hour, and his encouragement gave me a new perspective. That’s why I’m still here. He gave me so much positivity about the league and the future, and I’m truly grateful for that,” Amokachi said.

Amokachi and Amuneke were teammates in Nigeria’s triumphant U-23 Dream Team that won gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, with Amuneke scoring the decisive goal in the 3-2 victory over Argentina in the final. They were also part of Nigeria’s “golden generation” that won the AFCON 2024 title in Tunisia debuted at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States under Clemens Westerhof.

Also Read: 7 Potential Tough Opponents Super Eagles Might Face In AFCON 2025 Group Stage

Reflecting on Sunday’s defeat, which saw Heartland claim four points from Lobi Stars this season, Amokachi praised his team’s effort despite their challenges.

“First, credit to Heartland for their hard-fought win. The pitch didn’t suit our playing style due to the bumps, which disrupted our build-up play from the back,” he said.

“We fielded four of our eight new signings, and they’re not yet fully fit. Our top scorer, Ossy Martin, also struggled with fitness. Despite these setbacks, my players gave their best, and I commend them for that.

“Heartland deserved their victory, but we’ll continue working hard to improve,” he added.

Amokachi’s Lobi Stars, currently 18th in the NPFL table on 20 points, will face Akwa United in Uyo on Wednesday in a Matchday 21 clash. Meanwhile, Heartland, with 25 points, travel to Aba for an Oriental Derby against Enyimba International.

By Sab Osuji