Shuaibu Amodu’s hold on his position as Nigeria coach looks increasingly insecure after he was the focus of angry scenes both during and after his team’s 1-1 draw with Ireland at Craven Cottage in London.
Amodu, who faced a furious backlash from supporters following the goalless draw against Mozambique in their opening World Cup qualifier, must now prepare for Tuesday’s friendly with France and, more pointedly, next Sunday’s competitive clash with Kenya in Abuja against a backdrop of increasing unrest.
A group of Nigeria supporters clashed with stewards at Fulham’s stadium on Friday after they were told to take down a banner calling for Amodu’s dismissal.
PHOTO: REUTERS
The demand sparked a minor scuffle which lasted for around a minute before an uneasy order was restored for the rest of the game.
Amodu then declined to attend the post-match press conference, sparking anger amongst the traveling media contingent from Nigeria.
Instead, his place was taken by the country’s sports minister, Sani Ndanusa, who declined to go into detail when asked for his view on the coach’s long-term future.
At least Amodu can take solace from the fact that he can travel to Saint Etienne on the back of a well-earned draw, rather than a potentially catastrophic defeat.
Michael Enemaro marked a generally low-key occasion with a fine goal in the 30th minute to put his team in front at Craven Cottage and, while Robbie Keane scored a deserved equalizer for Ireland before the interval.
Giovanni Trapattoni, the Ireland manager, was impressed by the performance of Keane.
The Tottenham striker now has five goals in his last five internationals and was the game’s stand-out performer before being substituted at half-time.
“It was a very good goal and a good moment for Robbie,” Trapattoni said. “I saw Robbie play two weeks ago and he is currently in a good period.”
“His morale is good and he plays for the team — sometimes as a playmaker, sometimes scoring goals. It’s very important for Ireland and he gives time to the rest of the players, which is important for us as well,” he said.
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