World Cup: Real reason Amokachi dumped Super Eagles ahead South Africa, Benin qualifiers

Fresh facts have emerged regarding why erstwhile Super Eagles midfield enforcer, Daniel Amokachi, opted to go AWOL barely 24 hours before Nigeria’s all-important World Cup qualifiers against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, The Guardian can exclusively report.

Nigeria resumes 2026 World Cup hostilities against one of its fiercest rivals, South Africa, at the Nest of Champions, Uyo, Akwa Ibom on Friday with one of the assistant coaches missing in camp.

Word was rife in Abuja that the former Super Eagles interim gaffer had demanded to be excused from Friday’s encounter on health grounds, with a top Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) chieftain confirming the report.

However, a The Guardian’s source revealed that Amokachi’s absence from the team’s camp has to do with his grievances over what his take-home pay should be.

Recall that NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, stated in clear terms that assistant national team coaches will henceforth be paid based on invitational allowances instead of receiving monthly salaries, as part of the federation’s cost-cutting efforts in the face of the country’s tough economic situation.

Miffed by Gusau’s unwillingness to back down on his decision, the former personal assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on sports matters had demanded a contract, given his personality and experience. However, NFF hierarchies turned a deaf ear, which may have necessitated his decision to stay away from the Super Eagles camp as of press time.

His absence in Uyo has continued to send tongues wagging, with critics citing sabotage and his unwillingness to see Finidi George bark out orders to Super Eagles stars from the touchline while he takes a back seat in the dugout.

“Amokachi did not have any problem working with Finidi