Posted by By Tunji Balogun on
Super Eagles assistant coach, Daniel Owefin Amokachi received a grand reception from cross section of Club Brugge fans for his contribution to the club's success in his hey days in the Belgium Jupiler League.
Super Eagles assistant coach, Daniel Owefin Amokachi received a grand reception from cross section of Club Brugge fans for his contribution to the club's success in his hey days in the Belgium Jupiler League.
The former Super Eagles skipper who visited the club recently in Belgium was recognized as one of the outstanding yesterday's heroes for his achievement both on the European continent and the domestic league in Belgium. The club officials however tagged his four year (1990-1994) stint at the club as sound memorable experience, and something to cherish in the entire history of the club.
In his words: 'I understand why the club's fans think so much about me, just like they did during my peak years at the club. I won't easily forget the club's fans and all they did for me. When I arrived from Africa in 1990, even when it was obvious that I hadn't proven anything, I was accepted by everyone. These are the great memories I cannot forget in a hurry.
'Club Brugge was my first team in Europe, and I think it is only logical for me not to forget the first love I received. I got to Belgium before my 18th birthday in 1990; George Leekens was the Club's coach, and despite the fact that I lacked the experience, I still had a couple of opportunities to play in my first year, especially in Cup games. I was even fortunate to score the goal that gave us the quarter final victory at home against Beveren. Club went on to win the Cup that season, and we won the league the following year under Coach Hugo Broos.
'Although I joined Everton in 1994, But when I sustained a knee injury in 1998, I decided to find a new future in the world of football at the age of 28. It was in the last training session we had before our (Nigeria) opener against Spain at the France '98 World Cup, I conceded a slight knee injury, but I managed to play in the last group match against Bulgaria. I was going from problem to problem throughout the following season at Besiktas.
'By the time I regained fitness, I noticed that I had lost the power, I tried to play on, Besiktas sent me on loan, later I made a trip to Colorado Emirates, but I later realized that things were over for me, and I decided to take the harsh decision by ending my football career.
However, my greatest moment in Belgium was the Champions League goal against CSKA Moscow. The goal brought me fame, and it was my first Champions League goal.'
Meanwhile, the former Enyimba FC assistant coach later visited the family that took care of him when he first land Club Brugge in Belgium. He also received grand reception from eminent club's fans that accorded him a standing ovation.