Amunike returns to club management, signs with Temple Management Company

Nigeria’s U-20s Coach Emmanuel Amunike has expressed readiness to shift his focus to club football management as he signs a management deal with Temple Management Company (TMC).

Our correspondent reports that TMC is a full-service creative talent and event management company incorporated in Nigeria and operating in the Entertainment, Sports, Media and Art sectors.

While receiving the football icon, Koye Sowemimo, Head of Sports, TMC, said on Thursday in Lagos the agreement with the former Nigerian player would offer him future opportunities as TMC would help him to realise his dream.

“We are delighted to welcome Coach Amunike as our first football legend.

“As a player and a coach, he has achieved a great deal and continues to demonstrate his passion for football by grooming future stars.

“Our objective is to work with him on enhancing his brand image and seek out global opportunities for him to further his coaching career,’’ Sowemimo said in a statement.

The statement said that Amunike, while signing the deal, promised to work closely with the talent discovery agency as a brand as well as with his organisation, Lagos-based Emmanuel Amunike Soccer Foundation.

He said that as an ex-footballer, his career didn’t end from the day he retired as it was generally believed.

“Working with TMC will now help to open up other areas of opportunities that will help to maximise my potential.’’

In addition to his illustrious playing career, the Golden Eaglets’ coach has excelled as one of the most successful Nigerian youth coaches, winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile in 2015.

This also earned him a nomination as Coach of The Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Our correspondent reports that there were strong indications that some football clubs based in Egypt and South Africa were already showing interest in the Nigerian tactician.

It was also reported that the TMC manages other sports personalities like Super Eagles Defender, Kenneth Omeruo and Super Falcons player, Ebi Onome.

TMC represents Tennis teenage sensation, Marylove Edwards, Nigerian International Golf youngster, Georgia Oboh and Falconets’ Sophia Omidiji.