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The decision to inject the former Tanzania manager into the Nigeria backroom has been to mixed reviews, but it could prove a masterstroke
It would appear that, going into the upcoming World Cup qualifying double-header against Ghana, Nigeria hold all the advantages.
Sure, the loss of Wilfred Ndidi is a difficult one to absorb, but on the bright side the attack will level up in a major way from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where the Super Eagles were essentially forced to start with their fourth-choice centre-forward in Taiwo Awoniyi. There is also the benefit of relative stability: the contrast with the Black Stars, whose coaching situation is dogged by uncertainty and whose squad is as yet unannounced, is pretty stark.
That is not, however, to say that all is honky-dory in the Nigeria camp. There is a key point of uncertainty that is difficult to second-guess – it could just as easily pan out well or badly.
The decision to draft former international Emmanuel Amuneke into the Super Eagles coaching set-up elicited mixed reactions, especially when taken in tandem with reports that Augustine Eguavoen was partial to keeping his AFCON backroom untouched. That wish was obviously overruled, and that adds a layer of intrigue to the dynamic on the Nigeria bench: quite how will a partnership of Eguavoen and Amuneke work?
Beyond personal preference, the bigger concern is the stark divergence in their respective managerial approaches.
Eguavoen has proven a popular choice among the squad, who have found his more conciliatory mien and inclusive leadership a welcome relief from what obtained under previous management. The 56-year-old has also allowed greater latitude for the players to express themselves, with both Moses Simon and William Troost-Ekong praising him on this front.
In many ways, Amuneke is the exact opposite.
A brusque, abrasive character, the 2005 Under-17 World Cup-winning manager is given to speaking his mind with little regard for niceties. The upshot of this is that, even in the midst of success, he does not inspire warmth or fondness: for all that he qualified Tanzania for their first AFCON in 39 years, he remains an unloved figure in the east African nation.
It is this quality that has perhaps made him a difficult sell within the Glass House for the top job by himself. In truth, it is probably the sort of approach likelier to work with younger players, who have smaller egos by default and are more malleable. With more accomplished internationals, it is a shtick that would grate almost immediately.
In that sense, even though the approaches of Eguavoen and Amuneke are in diametric opposition, they have the same sustainability shortfall. The players may well enjoy and speak highly of a more vibes-centric approach, but even that wears thin in time, especially as it becomes clear there is a dearth of substance underpinning it.
The stated reasoning behind the inclusion of the former Barcelona winger is the infusion of, in the words of NFF President Amaju Pinnick, "technical sagacity". That is fair enough, as the one area in which most analysts and commentators agreed that Nigeria fell short during the AFCON Round of 16 defeat to Tunisia was tactical preparation.
It is easy enough to see what Amuneke would add on that front: his teams are nothing if not structured, with clear principles in place for build-up and ball progression. However, his biggest influence will come precisely from his personality, specifically in how that departs from Eguavoen's.
It's all well and good being a breath of fresh air and offering a release, but the balancing act is crucial. In time, players begin to yearn for structure again. This is why, for instance, Roberto di Matteo memorably led Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2012, yet made such a poor permanent appointment the season after. A good feeling will very quickly turn into complacency and inmates running the asylum.
This is why inserting Amuneke into the situation might well prove a masterstroke.
Think of it as the "good cop, bad cop" protocol, by which all bases are covered. Executed properly, it would not only maintain the efficacy of Eguavoen's avuncular approach, but also temper Amuneke's acerbity just enough that it's palatable for the squad.
Instead of either saccharine sweetness or caustic bitterness, the squad can have both in measured doses. Balanced, as all things should be.
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