FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

At only 25, Daniel Amokachi has achieved his own fair share of soccer glory. He was capped at senior international level at the tender age of 17. He won an Olympic soccer gold and at USA ‘94, he netted two goals to propel the Eagles to the second-round in only their debut appearance at the big stage.

And with top European clubs like Club Brugge (Belgium), Everton (England) and Besiktas (Turkey), he has annexed major honours. “I’m a different soul,” Amokachi simply says of his outstanding record. The striker comes with an assertive, very confident personality both on and off the pitch. That may explain why he is widely regarded as the leader of the “Super Eagles” even in a star-studded team with older and more experienced players.

His four goals in the France ‘98 qualifying series have further enhanced his rising profile and fetched him product endorsement and modelling contracts both in Nigeria and overseas. Yet critics have laughed at his playing in the second-rate Turkish league, arguing this has blunted his form. There are also those who allege that he is spearheading a powerful players’ clique that decides what goes on in the national team.

“I’m not part of the mafia (the tag ascribed to the powerful clique). I’m only one of the most capped players in the team and it is only normal that when decisions regarding the team are to be taken, I’m often involved,” maintains Amokachi. But he has no apologies for dumping the more competitive English Premiership and leaving Everton for Turkey.

“I’m playing football for the money. I’m not playing this game for exposure. I’ve a family to look after, two big boys, a wife, whose future I have to worry about.” In April, Amokachi partly justified the huge investment Besiktas have made on him by helping them to the Turkish Cup.

But the hard-running striker still hopes to head back eventually to mainstream Europe to continue his pro career. And if he can match his USA ‘94 exploits in France, Europe’s biggest guns might well start queuing up for his services.