Super Eagles Chief Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke has withdrawn from attending the 2022 FIFA World Cup final draws holding today in Doha, Qatar, according to The Nation.
The former Barcelona winger was scheduled to attend the ceremony as a member of the FIFA Technical Advisory Group but he decided against traveling as he shares the pain of Nigerians following the Super Eagles’ failure to pick one of the five tickets from Africa.
Amuneke was expected to depart for Doha yesterday for the 72nd FIFA Congress but had to cancel at the last minute.
“I will not be in Doha for the FIFA Congress and the Draws. I had to withdraw at the last minute to be with my mother and it doesn’t feel right to travel at this time after what happened at the play-off,” he said. “It was painful to lose the ticket the way we did and I apologise to our fans because they deserved more, and are the best in the world. We are all hurting at this time and I don’t think it is right to be in Doha but with my people at home.”
“Nigeria is a great footballing nation and we will be back stronger. Personally, my motivation is doubled now because I never want to feel like this again,” he said.