Daniel Owefin Amokachi (born 1972), nicknamed "The Bull," was a powerful Nigerian striker. He played a crucial role in Nigeria's 1994 World Cup campaign and won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations. Amokachi played for Club Brugge in Belgium and became the first Nigerian to play in the English Premier League with Everton. He scored in the 1995 FA Cup semi-final helping Everton win the trophy. Amokachi also played for Beşiktaş in Turkey. He earned 44 caps for Nigeria, scoring 13 goals. After retirement, Amokachi became a coach and football administrator. His powerful playing style and big-game performances made him a Nigerian football hero.


THE BULL ON THE FIELD:
Daniel “The Bull” Amokachi combined explosive pace with physical strength, bulldozing defences while scoring crucial goals. Emerging from Kaduna club Ranchers Bees, he broke into the national team as a teenager and never looked back.

BIG-GAME HEROICS:
He helped Nigeria win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and qualify for its maiden World Cup the same year, scoring against Greece. Amokachi’s instinctive brace in the 1995 FA Cup semi-final propelled Everton to the trophy, making him a cult hero in England. He also played for Club Brugge, Beşiktaş, and Rangers, thrilling fans with audacious dribbles and thunderous strikes.

COACHING AND ADMINISTRATION:
After retiring, Amokachi served as assistant coach to the Super Eagles, winning AFCON 2013, and later led Nigeria’s Olympic team. In 2021 he was appointed Special Adviser on Sports to the President, guiding policies on youth development and grassroots football. He founded the Kaduna-based Amokachi Football Academy to train the next generation.

COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Amokachi champions health awareness after publicly managing heart-related challenges, encouraging regular check-ups for athletes. He uses media commentary to call for improved player welfare, better league administration, and investment in women’s football.

FAST FACTS:
- Born 30 December 1972 in Kaduna, Nigeria.
- Nigeria caps: 44 appearances, 13 goals (1990-1999).
- Honours: AFCON champion (1994), Olympic gold (1996), FA Cup winner with Everton (1995).
- Nickname origin: relentless, bull-like persistence on the ball earned him “The Bull.”