By Osasu Obayiuwana BBC Sport

Amuneke played in the Arab Champions League for Al-Wahdat

Emmanuel Amuneke forced his way into the consciousness of African football fans during the final of the 1994 Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

His two goals in Nigeria's 2-1 win over Zambia secured their second African title.

But a decade after that triumph, the 1994 African Player of the Year, who has made his permanent home in the Spanish town of Santander, is unhappy with the state of Nigerian football.

Now playing for Al-Wahdat in Jordan's Premier Division, the left-footed winger said the poor treatment of Super Eagles players has led to a steady decline that has betrayed Nigeria's immense potential on the global stage.

When you're down, you're not important to anyone Emmanuel Amuneke

"We need the right people with the right attitude to manage our football," the former Sporting Lisbon and Barcelona player told BBC Sport.

"I don't want to blame or criticise anybody [but the neglect of players] is a big problem we have in Nigeria.

"It hurts to see that after all that my colleagues and I have contributed to Nigerian football, we are not recognised for our effort.

"We set a pace but [poor] organisation and those who are only out for their interests have made us struggle to bring Nigeria back to the level [when they won the Cup of Nations in 1994].

"This is the reason why our football is not growing," Amuneke said.

The 33-year-old, who had a successful stint with Egyptian club Zamalek before moving to Europe, has had to recover from a long bout of injury that could have ended his career.

"I appreciate those that stood by my side in a time of difficulty.

"When you are down, I have learnt that you should not expect anyone to support you.

"But when you're at the top of your game, everyone's your friend. That's life," said the 1996 Olympic gold medallist.

Moving on

After ending his contract with second division Spanish side Albacete, Amuneke moved to South Korea and played for Pusan Icon between March and August 2003.

When a plan to move to the UAE failed to materialise, he opted to play for Al-Wahdat, which he admits is a step down from playing for some of the world's top clubs.

"Everyone wants to be at the highest level but you never know where life will take you.

I appreciate those that stood by my side in a time of difficulty Emmanuel Amuneke

"My decision [to go to Jordan in November 2003] would surprise a lot of people.

"I ended up playing here because a plan to play for a team in the Emirates did not work out.

"The team was in the Arab Champions League, so it was a chance to show that I could still play.

"I'm here for a few months and I hope to do the best I can for them."

Regrets

Winning the Caf African Player of the Year award in 1994 was supposed to be indicative of the long international career that beckoned.

But injuries put paid to that dream, as he made his last appearance for the Super Eagles in 2000.

Amuneke played a key role in Nigeria's 1996 Olympic triumph

"Hard luck and injuries stopped me from playing for Nigeria for as long as I would have wanted to.

"However, I am happy that I have been able to serve my country and I am ready to wear the nation's colours if I am called upon again."

With only a few years left in his playing career, Amuneke said he has had a lot of thoughts on his career options.

"I'm only 33, so I can still play for a year or two. But if not I'll find something else.