AMAPAKABO ARREST: Nigeria Football Coaches Association threaten legal action against Rangers

By Taofeek Babalola

Aftermath of the disgraceful arrest of former Coach of Rangers International of Enugu, Imama Amakapabo by the management of Rangers International FC of Enugu, the Nigeria Football Coaches Association is considering taking necessary steps to forestall future reoccurrence of such imbroglio, reports Sportinglens.blogspot.com. 

Amapakabo who led Flying Antelopes to its first Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title after 32 years last season, was allegedly arrested by the police on the orders of the club management for holding on to official properties months after he was sacked by the club.

According to a statement issued by the association President, Ladan Bosso, the body in charge of coaching business in the nation considered the action of Enugu Rangers' management as an insult to Nigerian coaches and the association has vowed to take legal means against anybody or institutions that try to put the lives of Nigerian coaches in jeopardy.

The apex coaches’ body stressed that it could no longer continue to groan under such unpleasant atmosphere, where coaches are subjected to all manners of humiliations and disgrace by some politicians and football administrators.

"Going forward, the Nigeria Football Coaches Association which is responsible for regulating activities of football coaches in the country, will consider taking legal action against anybody or institutions that unjustly threaten the lives of its members," the statement stated.

"The association wants the public to be aware that previous episodes of such atrocities went unchecked and the time has come to stand up against this impunity. The coaches association stated in clear terms that an injustice against one coach is an injustice against all."

The body stated further that: "In the coming days, the association will embark on mediation and resolution campaign to keep its members abreast of ways of resolving industrial working related dispute."

The body has however directed its members to report anybody or institutions to the appropriate authorities if they are being molested while carrying out their duties on or off the pitch, stressing that the Nigeria Coaches Association is an institution that promotes peace and unity.