By Adewale Ajayi

Three months ago, the Nigeria football federation toyed with the idea of appointing Daniel Amokachi as NFF Director of technical but later dropped the appointment at the last minute perhaps to slight the honourable minister of youth and sports, Sunday Dare, who many felt was the brain behind his nomination.

In fact, NFF president Amaju Pinnick went on National TV to deny the news claiming that they had full confidence in Bitrus Bewarang, a man whose tenure as director technical had already expired but was allowed to continue for obvious reasons.

Just on Thursday, president Mohammadu Buhari shocked Nigerians when he confirmed Amokachi as his new special assistant on sports, a position that has now made the

REJECTED STONE, THE CORNER STONE

By this appointment, Amokachi has moved miles above his contemporaries and now sits on the exalted seat of decision makers. He is now the third strongest man in sports after the honourable sports minister and the permanent secretary.

Amokachi should be on at least 2m naira monthly salary, must be accorded all privileges given to president Buhari’s special assistants and will report directly to Mr president on all matters relating to sports.

This position gives him authority over Nigeria football as he can make suggestions to Mr president and offer advices where necessary.

Just few months after being dressed in borrowed robes as football Ambassador, Amokachi has taken a major leap forward and now looks ready to take his rightful place as a major stakeholder in Nigeria sports.

Already, the aggrieved and disgruntled stakeholders have started calling to congratulate him as factional heads restrategise on how to launch fresh attacks on Nigeria football.

The thinking now is that for once, the ex internationals can come together with a common voice and make their grievances known to government through their colleague and friend, Daniel the Bull, Amokachi.