Amunike eyes fresh challenge in coaching insists passion intact
Former international Emmanuel Amunike says he is not done with coaching just yet. The former Barcelona ace insists that the passion is still intact.
The former Taifa stars sweat merchant it will be recalled ventured into coaching after a successful career with Zamalek, Sporting Lisbon and Barcelona.
He started his managerial career with Nigeria side Julius Berger before achieving great success at international level.
After winning the 2015 U17 World Cup with Nigeria, Amunike led Tanzania to the 2019 African Cup of Nations, their first appearance at the tournament since 1980.
The 50-year-old, who left Egyptian side Misr El-Makkasa in March 2020, has recently been linked with Nigerian side Kano Pillars, according to Brilla.FM
Asked if he was ready to return to coaching, Amunike told TribalFootball.com: “I have always been into coaching, not coaching for some years does not mean that I’m not interested in coaching anymore. I’m passionate about coaching.
“Coaching is what I love and I am ready anytime when I have the opportunity to coach again. I will definitely coach and I am preparing myself, but of course nothing is at stake now.
“I will also use the time to spend with my family,I have two boys with my wife, I need to spend my time with them and that is exactly what I’m doing. Am ready to coach once there is anything meaningful.”
Amunike made the switch from Africa to Europe when he swapped Zamalek for Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon.
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He won the Taca De Portugal with Sporting before earning a move to Barcelona in 1996.
Amunike won 27 caps for Nigeria during his career, scoring nine goals in that time. Amunike who scored 54 goals in 185 apperances for both clubs and country did not rule out the possibility of coaching the Super Eagles in future even as he went spiritual insisting that the right time lies in the hands of God .
Asked if he ever thought about coaching the Super Eagles, he said “Only God knows and of course it is our country and I will love to coach the Super Eagles one day, but for the moment they have a coach and we wish him all the best”
Eagles battle Cape Verde later today at the Estádio Municipal Adérito Sena after clinching 2-0 victory over Liberia in the first match at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.