Former Nigerian International and Coach, Emmanuel Amunike, has taken the blame for the Super Eagles inability to secure the world cup ticket.
Amunike in an exclusive interview with Wakawaka Sports Extra acknowledged Nigerians who trooped to the Moshood Abiola Stadium in their numbers, despite the harsh economic realities, noting that it’s their right to express their anger and frustration.
Amunike went further to say that as a sign of respect for them and the nation, he won’t partake in the draws having been invited as one of the legends of the game.
He said: “A lot of people came to the stadium without food and what they were expecting to go home is the joy.
“Unfortunately, collectively, we are not in a position to bring that joy to them. You can criticize me and I can never question people because it’s true that we were not able to make people happy. That is the least, Nigerians expected from us.
“I was invited to be part of the world cup draws that will hold in November in Qatar having being selected among the legends of the game that will pick the draws tomorrow Friday 1 April in Doha Qatar, but I choose to remain in the country than going out there to rejoice and have fun at the programme.
“In as much as we are angry which is it their right, let us look forward how we can move things.”
The AFCON winning gold medalist poured encomiums on the Federal Government for redeeming the pledge of giving houses to all players of the 1994 AFCON team, despite not been in power.
He stressed the importance of still available to give back to the Nigerian football community if called upon while calling on the present crop of players to inspire the people.
“I want to thank the FG, although the present government were not the ones that made the promise, they were able to fulfil it. I thank them.
In my state, it’s were they will give me the house.
“I hope they next generation can continue to inspire people. During our youthful days we tried the best we can to inspire people and that is why the FG is giving this to us, same with my state.
“I’m just who am I and I don’t intend to convince anybody. I’m respectful to whoever comes close to me. It’s a difficult time in what the nation is going through.
“I have been following Nigeria Football and I have no regret coming. If at my age I have the means to make my Nigeria happy, I will never hesitate.”
