Amokachi at 52: NPFL Boss, Elegbeleye Hails Role Model for Domestic Players
Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, has paid glowing tribute to former Super Eagles striker Daniel Amokachi on his 52nd birthday, describing him as a role model for players in the domestic league.
Amokachi, fondly nicknamed The Bull, was born on December 30, 1972, and left an indelible mark on Nigerian football both at home and abroad. Elegbeleye praised his journey from the local league to Europe, where he excelled with Club Brugge in Belgium, Everton in England, and Besiktas in Turkey.
‘As one of the homegrown players that went to Europe and blossomed, Dan is a worthy ambassador of the domestic league,’ Elegbeleye said, noting that Amokachi’s career remains an inspiration for young talents.
He recalled that Amokachi’s passion for Nigerian football led him back home in 2005, when he joined Nasarawa United after his European career.
‘Like football stars from Argentina, Brazil and South Africa, the Bull hung his boots in Europe but came back here to inspire the younger generation of players on the pitch when he joined Nasarawa United. This is the message we have been preaching to other Nigerian big players. They should come and be an attraction to the NPFL,’ Elegbeleye added.
Beyond his playing days, Amokachi has also contributed as a coach, guiding NPFL clubs such as Nasarawa United, Lobi Stars, Enyimba, and the now-defunct FC IfeanyiUbah. His legacy continues to resonate across Nigerian football, both as a player and mentor.
