Exclusive: Daniel Amokachi Reveals Vision for Lobi Stars and Nigerian Football

As Lobi Stars push through a challenging Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, Daniel Amokachi, the team’s coach and Nigerian football icon shares his tactical vision and insights on the league progress.

He further shared with SportsBoom his reason for coming back to the league and his perspective on homegrown football talent returning to the NPFL.

Known for his strategic mindset and dynamic coaching style, Amokachi is determined to bring out the best in his players while raising the overall standard of Nigerian football.

Tactical Setup and a Finnish Addition to the Bench

Amokachi has introduced a highly structured 4-5-1 formation for Lobi Stars’ away matches, emphasising defensive solidity and quick breaks on the counterattack.  Known for his demand for focus, he explains how this setup suits his team’s mentality and strengths.

“You can see the formation that we play away from home, the 4-5-1. It suits us very, very well,” Amokachi shares. “But, you know, when you play like that, you have to be focused 120% for 90 minutes. When you go to sleep, you know, you get punished.”

To add depth and expertise, Amokachi has brought in Finnish coach Mika Lundström, a move he believes will complement his work with the team. “I have brought in my head coach from Finland, Mika Lundström,” he says. 

Boosting Player Performance and Team Cohesion

Lobi Stars have faced challenges this season, but Amokachi sees potential, with his players showing an encouraging response to his philosophy. He emphasizes that, even with roster limitations due to the transfer window, his players’ attitude has made a difference.

“Well, you know, we just have to work with what we have. The most important thing for me is that the players are responding to my ideology,” he says. “Because if they are not, then definitely we will see that the gap will be too much.”

Amokachi is also a firm believer in empowering younger players and sees this as essential for future success.  “Injecting young players into the team will definitely complement what the aging seniors are bringing on board,” he adds.

Supporting Nigerian Referees and Reason For Returning to The NPFL

While officiating is often a point of contention, Amokachi chooses to commend Nigerian referees, recognizing the difficulties they face and the improvements in recent years.

“Believe me, you know, we have to keep giving the referees their kudos. One hundred percent. We can not take that away from them,” he says.

“They are humans. Of course, they make errors… but kudos to the referees. They should continue doing their good job. Because we need our league to be better, and we can not always criticize them.”

This positive view of the NPFL’s progress extends to his overall assessment of the league.

For Amokachi, seeing these improvements inspired him to return to coaching within Nigeria’s borders.

“Our league is far better the way it was five years ago. It is far better the way it was four years ago. Three years ago. Two years ago,” he emphasizes. 

Championing NPFL Returns for Ex-Internationals

With notable players like Ahmed Musa choosing to play in the NPFL, Amokachi believes in the importance of ex-international stars contributing to Nigerian football’s growth, encouraging more players to follow Musa’s example.

“We just have to encourage those players not to be shy to play,” he says.

“When you’re at home, you don’t have a team. What stops you from playing in the team that is back home? You’re a professional player.

"Nobody will say, ‘Ah, he came back.’ He’s playing in Nigeria. No. You’re a professional player.”

Amokachi hopes this will help change attitudes, urging Nigerian players abroad to embrace the NPFL as a valid career choice, rather than letting pride prevent them from rejoining the local scene.