Daniel Amokachi Biography, Net Worth, Playing Career, Coaching Career, Trophies, Age, Salary, Family and State of Origin

Daniel Amokachi

Daniel Amokachi Biography, Net Worth, Playing Career, Coaching Career, Trophies, Age, Salary, Family and State of Origin

Kolawole Babatunde 08:19 - 14.03.2025

Daniel Amokachi is a name that resonates with Nigerian football fans and one of the best forwards the nation has ever produced. Here is all you need to know about him, including his playing and coaching career, net worth, age, and the famous story of how he subbed himself on to the pitch.

Daniel Amokachi Biography

Amokachi was born in Kaduna, Nigeria. He grew up with a passion for football and started playing at a young age. His raw talent and determination quickly set him apart, paving the way for a successful career. Amokachi’s breakthrough came when he joined Ranchers Bees, a local Nigerian club, before making a name for himself in Europe.

How old is Daniel Amokachi? (Daniel Amokachi Age)

Daniel Amokachi
Daniel Amokachi

Born on December 30, 1972, as of 2025, Daniel Amokachi is 52 years old. Despite retiring from professional football years ago, he remains active in the sport as a coach and analyst. His experience and knowledge of the game continue to influence the next generation of footballers.

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Daniel Amokachi State of Origin

Daniel Amokachi hails from Otukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, located in the north central region of the country. Amokachi is one of the most famous footballers to emerge from the state, bringing pride to his hometown.

Daniel Amokachi Club Career

Amokachi played for several clubs in Europe and Africa. He started his professional career at Ranchers Bees in Nigeria before moving to Belgium to play for Club Brugge in 1990.

Daniel Amokachi
Daniel Amokachi at Club Brugge

At Brugge, he became a fan favourite, scoring important goals and helping the team win the Belgian Cup. His performances earned him a move to Everton in the English Premier League in 1994.

Daniel Amokachi
Daniel Amokachi celebrating a goal for Everton

At Everton, Amokachi became famous for scoring twice in the 1995 FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham, helping his team reach the final. He also played in the final as Everton won the FA Cup.

Daniel Amokachi
Daniel Amokachi at Besiktas

After leaving Everton, he played for Besiktas in Turkey, where he won the Turkish Cup. Later, he had short spells in Germany, the USA, and the UAE. Injuries forced him to retire early, but he remained involved in football as a coach and mentor.

Daniel Amokachi International Career

Amokachi was a key player for the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles. He made his debut in 1990 and became an important striker for Nigeria. He played in the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria won the title.

Daniel Amokachi
Daniel Amokachi playing in the final of the Olympic Games against Argentina | Imago

That same year, he helped Nigeria qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup. In the 1994 World Cup, he scored against Greece, helping Nigeria reach the Round of 16.

One of Amokachi’s biggest achievements came in the 1996 Olympics. He was part of the Nigerian team that won the gold medal in football, defeating Argentina in the final.

Daniel Amokachi
Daniel Amokachi playing for Nigeria at the 1994 World Cup | Imago

His strength, speed, and goal-scoring ability made him a fan favourite. He played in another World Cup in 1998 before retiring from international football. In total, he earned over 44 caps for Nigeria and scored 13 goals. 

Daniel Amokachi Subs Himself On

One of the most famous moments in Daniel Amokachi’s career happened during the 1995 FA Cup semi-final between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur. Amokachi was on the bench when Everton’s manager, Joe Royle, was preparing to make a substitution. 

Without waiting for permission, Amokachi decided to bring himself on, telling the fourth official he was the substitute. The coaching staff was surprised, but it turned out to be a brilliant decision.  

Amokachi made an instant impact, scoring two goals that helped Everton win 4-1 and secure a place in the FA Cup final. His bold move became legendary, and fans still talk about it today. 

Everton went on to win the FA Cup that year, their last major trophy. 

Daniel Amokachi Coaching Career

Amokachi ventured into coaching after retiring from playing football. He has managed Nigerian clubs such as Nasarawa United, Enyimba of Aba and Lobi Stars. 

Daniel Amokachi
Daniel Amokachi | Credit: Imago

He has also served as assistant coach of the Nigeria national team under Shuaibu Amodu and the late Stephen Keshi, helping the Super Eagles in major tournaments.

In 2015, Amokachi took charge of Ifeanyi Ubah but resigned after just five weeks in the role. The following year, in January 2016, he was appointed as the manager of JS Hercules, a club in Finland. 

Daniel Amokachi
Daniel Amokachi carries the Boss, Late Stephen Keshi.

In 2024, Amokachi became Lobi Stars coach, but after a string of poor results, he eventually stepped down from the role in February 2025.

Daniel Amokachi Trophies and Awards

Throughout his career, Amokachi won several prestigious titles and individual awards, including:

Daniel Amokachi
Daniel Amokachi holding the FA Cup || IMAGE CREDIT: UPPA/Photoshot Photo

1994 Africa Cup of Nations – Nigeria

1994-1995 FA Cup and  1995 FA Charity Shield – Everton

1996 Olympic Games – Gold Medalist with Nigeria

Belgian Super Cup –  Club Brugge

1997-98 Turkish Cup and 1998 Turkish Super Cup – Besiktas 

1992 and 1994 Belgian Ebony Shoe Award – Best African player in Belgium 

1994 (France Football), 1995, 1996 – Came third in the African Footballer of the Year award

IFFHS 20th-century best player in Africa – 18th place

1989 West African Club Championship 'The best young footballer' award

1992 Pro League 'Most successful foreign player' award

Daniel Amokachi Salary

During his playing days, Amokachi earned a substantial salary, especially at Everton and Beşiktaş. While exact figures from his career are not publicly available, he was one of Nigeria’s highest-paid footballers at the time. As a coach and analyst, he continues to earn from his football expertise, though his salary in recent years remains undisclosed.

Daniel Amokachi Net Worth

Daniel Amokachi
Daniel Amokachi dancing || X

Daniel Amokachi’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million by several sources. His wealth comes from his football career, coaching roles, endorsements, and media work. Over the years, he has invested in businesses and continues to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

Daniel Amokachi Wife

Daniel Amokachi with his Family. Credit: X

Amokachi is married to Nadia Amokachi, a Tunisian woman. Their marriage has been strong for many years, and they have been supportive of each other through various stages of life. The couple are blessed with twin boys and a daughter named Raya.

Despite his fame, Amokachi keeps his family life private, focusing on his career and personal ventures.

Daniel Amokachi Twins

Daniel Amokachi twin boys, Nazim and Kalim Amokachi. Credit: X

Daniel Amokachi and his wife, Nadia, are blessed with twin sons, Nazim and Kalim Amokachi. Both sons have followed in their father’s footsteps, pursuing careers in football. They have played for Besiktas youth teams and are working hard to establish themselves in the sport. 

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