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Former Super Eagles of Nigeria assistant coach, Daniel Amokachi has hit back at Raheem Lawal over an indictment of being unfairly dropped from the 2013 African Cup of Nations winning squad, noting that the midfielder was not best suited for selection into the eventual title-winning side.
Recall that Lawal had on his Instagram story alleged that Amokachi dropped him from the team because he was not among the players the gaffer intended to sell after the showpiece in South Africa.
In his reaction, Amokachi lauded the 31-year-old for his talent, but urged him to desist from blaming others for his failure.
He said, “For me 100 per cent when names were mentioned on who could take over from Jay Jay Okocha, Raheem was the closest to him and that is the truth,” Amokachi stated on Monday in an interview on Brila FM.
“He was not in the right state as at that particular time and that was why we had younger players from the home-based team take his place.
“So, it was difficult for any player who was not in the right state or not doing well at that point with his club to make the team.
“Don’t blame anybody for your failure, but if you think we were the ones that made you not to go to 2013 AFCON or that you did not get the MON title that you wanted, my apologies. Honestly, it was not me, but for you not to have been taken, forgive us for not taking you. Anytime, it will be my pleasure to give you my MON honour.”
The former Everton and Besiktas forward also added that both Joseph Yobo and Emmanuel Emenike also had ‘football issues, with the technical crew but were resolved.
“As a coach, some players always look at you as if you do not like them and as a head, your race is for the best.
“We had a rumble with Joseph Yobo and Emmanuel Emenike but these are the people I’m close to today.
“In 2013, Yobo was struggling, injury-wise, but when you tell him to sit on the bench it becomes a row and you understand these things like that.
“But when you grow older you become wiser, you see why some things need to be done in certain ways and you get the clear picture, that is the truth about life.
“I admire Emenike and the big man Yobo. Anyone that is outspoken and fight for what they know is right is my man. I love people like that.”
This post was written by Obiajulu Joel Nwolu.
The views expressed here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect our views and opinions.