Former Nigerian forward, Daniel Amokachi has disclosed why Super Eagles midfielder, Raheem Lawal was dropped from the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
Recall that on Monday, Lawal via his official Instagram handle had accused the former assistant coach to late Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi of intentionally dropping him in order to include players that he can easily sell at the tournament.
Reacting to the allegation leveled against him, the Atlanta Olympic gold medalist told a Lagos-based radio in an interview that Lawal was dropped from the 2013 AFCON because he was not in the right frame of mind.
“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.
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“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.”
By Augustine Akhilomen
6 Comments
There’s some shitty shit going on here…..Amokachi’s reeks of guilt lol. What does he mean by right frame of mind cause I know this guy was better than some players in that team but thank God we won the cup and nobody really cared..
When a team wins a tournament I don’t know if it really makes sense to criticize the coaches.
Winning a tournament doesn’t automatically negate the fact that favoritism might have played a part in the selection process. Some players on the bench didn’t deserve to be there. Ejike ND Reuben were never at any point in time spectacular… Maybe in Chan.
Dropping Raheem for Reuben is 8 the Wonder of the world
How? Was Reuben ever able to play regular football in Europe apart from playing for Kilmanrock or whatever that club is. You will still see 9th wonder..
I don’t think he merit the call up to the squad then.. But we won the tournament and that’s d greatest achievements of all time for Nigerians with young players to win such a great African mundia.