Tanzania’s appointment of Nigerian international Emmanuel Amuneke as the head coach of its national team has sparked interest in the diplomatic community.
The Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Muhidini Ally-Mboweto, said the appointment would further cement Nigeria’s relations with Tanzania.
Ally-Mboweto who commended the appointment of the former Nigeria international by the Tanzanian authorities said the step would deepen Tanzania-Nigeria relations.
“It is a testimony of the smooth relations between Tanzania and Nigeria,’’ he added.
“The appointment will further cement the robust existing relationship between my country and Nigeria.
“That is the testimony of our relationship. This also cements our relationship. We used to get football teams from Nigeria, such as Rangers International, Kano Pillars, Enyimba of Aba, et cetera, coming to Tanzania to play,” Ally-Mboweto said.
The envoy said Nigeria and Tanzania have always enjoyed excellent relations, pointing out that Nigeria normally sent teachers to Tanzania through the Technical Aid Corps.
“Nigeria sent about 42 technical aid corps to Tanzania and they have returned and recently they sent about another 41 technical aid corps. So, the two countries have enjoyed robust relations,” he said.
Amuneke was on Monday named the new head coach of the Tanzanian senior national team, popularly referred to as the Tafia Stars.
The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) President, Wallace Karia, on Monday unveiled Amuneke at a ceremony in Dar es Salaam.
He thus became the latest Nigerian to be appointed as the national team coach of another country.
Amuneke signed a two-year deal with the TFF, replacing local coach Salum Mayanga who had been in charge of Tanzania since last year.
