Just weeks after shining for Nigeria in their World Cup debut, Daniel Amokachi arrived at Goodison Park as Everton's record signing. The Super Eagles made a stunning entrance at the 1994 tournament in the USA, defeating eventual semi-finalists Bulgaria 3-0 on June 21. Amokachi scored Nigeria's second goal, outmuscling Zlatko Yankov and rounding the goalkeeper before firing into an empty net.
World Cup Heroics
Nigeria topped their group after a 2-0 win over Greece, with Amokachi scoring a powerful drive in the 95th minute. They faced Italy in the last-16, leading 1-0 before an injured Amokachi was forced off. Roberto Baggio equalized late and scored a penalty in extra time to send Nigeria out.
Transfer to Everton
Amokachi, then 21 and playing for Club Brugge, was a hot prospect. He told the Alive and Kicking podcast: "The move to Goodison Park just came out of the blue. My agent and Club Brugge were deep in talks over a move to Juventus. Then I got a phone call saying Everton are willing to take you in. But they told me, 'ah but it's Everton and they're a racist club.' I said, 'I don't think if they were racist they would spend so much on a black man from Africa.'"
He added: "From the moment I came out of the tunnel to be introduced I felt the love of my life." Everton paid a club record £3 million for Amokachi, surpassing the £2.2 million for Tony Cottee. Chairman Peter Johnson insisted: "Colour has nothing to do with it. It's purely about a player's ability at Everton."
Fan Reception
Amokachi recalled being paraded before a match against Nottingham Forest in a blue blazer, with Elton John's 'Daniel' playing. He said: "The way the fans reacted, my charisma and flamboyance running from one end to the other, they took to me from day one. With the Blue Army supporters, if you play with your heart, they will support you."
