Former Nigeria international Daniel Amokachi has revealed how missing the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal impacted his football career positively.
Amokachi made his AFCON debut at the 1990 edition in Algiers where the Super Eagles finished second.
But he missed the 1992 tournament despite featuring in some of the qualifiers.
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However, Amokachi disclosed that not being part of the Eagles squad was a blessing in disguise for him.
“I was on fire at my club and my club, the NFA then and Clemens Westerhof sat down and agreed and gave me the permission to stay away (from 1992 AFCON),” Amokachi said in his radio programme ‘The Bull’s Pit’ on Brila FM on Monday.
“And I think it helped propel me in Europe that year because that was the season I won my first Championship with Brugge, we became champions, that was the season I scored the first UEFA Champions League goal.
“So, definitely I think it was destined for me to miss it and get those ones with my club.”
The former Everton and Besiktas star returned to the tournament in 1994 in Tunisia and helped Nigeria claim their second continental title.
He joined Club Brugge in Club Brugge in 1990 from Nigerian club side Ranchers Bees in Kaduna.
After spending four years at Club Brugge, Amokachi signed for Everton in 1994 and won the FA Cup the following year.
By James Agberebi
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COMMENTS
Everything happens for a reason and I’m happy that you realize that if a door closed, it’s because what was behind it wasn’t meant for you. I love you so much Amokachi. Otherwise known as, “the bull”.
That is my man right there.
However, bad things do happen; how you respond to them defines your character and the quality of your life. So therefore, I’m happy for your life.
Nigeria has been nothing short of amazing players since the first era of the Green Eagles and now Super Eagles. Thank God for his blessings over our country. Naija 4 life. God bless Nigeria!!!