A certain manager has now spoken out on how "bad blood" cost him a job with an African powerhouse.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed earlier this week that Finidi George has been appointed on a permanent basis to replace the man he assisted during the Super Eagles' memorable 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, Jose Peseiro.
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However, 1994 African Player of the Year Emmanuel Amunike has now insisted that the way certain officials feel about him after past allegations affected his chances of landing the job.
It has previously been alleged that the 53-year-old coach instigated a pay strike that was carried out by Flying Eagles (Nigeria's U20 side) players, with some believing this cost the team a spot at the U/20 AFCON in 2017.
It has also been claimed that he directly participated in the transfers of Golden Eaglets (Nigeria U17) players during his time as manager of that side, with the alleged behaviour being labelled by some as unethical conduct.
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This is reportedly the reason why Amunike has "bad blood" with certain officials at the NFF, which, he believes, cost him the opportunity to take the reins of the senior national team.
"They succeeded in smearing my name in the media because of the Eagles job," Amunike said, per the Punch.
"They can continue with their propaganda, but I will remain disciplined. It's not a do-or-die job.
"All those allegations made in the media online because of the Eagles job are obviously not true, but those who recommended candidates for the job know I will not be easily bullied.
"I know there is still bad blood with these officials, but it's fine."
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The former Khartoum Club boss is believed to have been one of the leading candidates for the role due to his achievement of guiding Tanzania to the nation's second AFCON in 2019, which came after he won the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup with the Golden Eaglets.
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