‘Sexy penetration passes’ — Amokachi shocks listeners with unusual AFCON commentary

Super Eagles legend Daniel Amokachi | Bella Naija

FOOTBALL ‘Sexy penetration passes’ — Amokachi shocks listeners with unusual AFCON commentary

‘Sexy penetration passes’ — Amokachi shocks listeners with unusual AFCON commentary

Ayoola Kelechi • 18:10 - 19.01.2024

The Super Eagles legend has come under more criticism after comments made during Nigeria's win over Ivory Coast

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicked off in Ivory Coast with much fanfare. However, it wasn't just the on-field action that grabbed headlines.

Daniel Amokachi, a Nigerian football legend, finds himself in the eye of a social media storm due to his performance as a commentator during the tournament.

Amokachi's Commentary sparks backlash

Amokachi's transition from a celebrated player to a football commentator has been met with mixed reactions. During Ivory Coast's 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau, Amokachi, who won the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria in 1994 and a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics, provided commentary that many fans and pundits found lacking.

Daniel Amokachi playing for Nigeria at the 1994 World Cup | Imago
Daniel Amokachi playing for Nigeria at the 1994 World Cup | Imago

His analysis was criticised for its perceived lack of depth and insight into the modern dynamics of football. Social media platforms were abuzz with comments that highlighted what some fans saw as "beer parlour" insights and a failure to capture the nuances of the game.

The criticism was sharp, with some comments suggesting his commentary did not meet the professional standards expected in such a high-profile tournament.

Despite the earlier criticism, Amokachi’s commentary during Nigeria’s crucial 1-0 win over hosts Ivory Coast also failed to live up to expectations.

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One particular piece of commentary especially sparked controversy as the former Everton star lamented the usage of Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi in a deeper position, saying, “I would love to see Iwobi close to Osimhen and Lookman because he is playing way too deep for a very creative player. He is a player who can give those sexy penetration passes.”

Amidst the criticism, it wasn't all negative for Amokachi. He did receive some praise for his comments on specific plays, such as the goal by Jean-Philippe Krasso for Cote d'Ivoire, which Amokachi lauded for its skill and awareness. This moment of praise, however, seems to be an exception amidst the general dissatisfaction with his commentary performance.

Daniel Amokachi's Super Eagles' legacy 

Daniel Amokachi, known for his illustrious playing career with notable performances for Everton and the Nigerian national team, is remembered for his significant contributions on the field. His career as a player is marked by several achievements, including being part of Nigeria's 1994 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad and participating in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups.

Amokachi's experience at AFCON 2023 highlights the often challenging transition from being a celebrated athlete to a commentator. It underscores the different skill sets required for excelling in both arenas. While his football legacy remains untarnished, his foray into commentary has evidently not been as smooth, reminding us of the diverse talents and expertise needed in the world of sports broadcasting​​​

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Tags:
Africa Cup of Nations Nigeria Ivory Coast AFCON 2023