Daniel Amokachi enjoyed one of the highlights of his career playing for Everton against Manchester United.

At Wembley in 1995, he replaced Anders Limpar as a second-half substitute as the Blues held on to the lead given them by Paul Rideout to lift the FA Cup for the fifth time.

Amokachi played his part in helping Everton record that triumph: few Blues will ever forget his double-goal supersub salvo in the 4-1 defeat of Spurs in the semi-final. One of the enduing images of the Nigerian’s spell at Goodison was that of him parading the famous trophy on the lap of honour.

“Those are great memories for sure,” he says. “It was just such an honour for me to help Everton win a major trophy. They were very good times.”

Today, another Super Eagle has taken on the mantle of being the club’s record signing.

Yakubu is set to make his home debut against the Red Devils.

“It is a great game for him to start out at Goodison,” says Amokachi. “Playing in the Premier League, you always want to test yourself against the top clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea and United and there is bound to be an extra special buzz around the ground today.

“Everton have made a very good start to the season and I’m sure the fans will be hoping they can continue in that manner. The team has been strengthened and I am sure they will be keen to put in a good performance.”

Amokachi scored 14 goals in 54 appearances for the Blues in an Add-year spell since joining for 33.2 million from Belgian side Bruges in August 1994. He is convinced Yakubu has what it takes to become a big favourite with Evertonians and, with Joseph Yobo and Victor Anichebe also in the fold, is delighted to see a strong core of Super Eagles in David Moyes’s squad.

“It’s great to see the Nigerian captain playing for the club and Joseph Yobo is very highly regarded in this country.
Anichebe is a young kid making his way but he has already shown plenty of promise. I am sure that their presence will help Yakubu settle in but then he’s already proven that he can perform at Premier League level. His record speaks for itself...he’s a top quality striker there is no doubt about that.

“He got off to a great start against Bolton and I hope that goal will be the first of many for him at Everton. I have worked with him in the past and he has a good temperament - I am confident he will prove to be a good signing for Everton.”

After a spell involved in coaching the Nigerian national team, Amokachi is now concentrating on his role in domestic management. Still only 34, he is channeling all his energies into preparing his team for the new Nigerian season which kicked off last weekend.

“I had a great time playing in Europe but now I am happy coaching in Nigeria.  I had a spell where I was involved with the national team but now I am chief coach of Nasawara United in the Nigerian Premier League which is a role I really enjoy as I am happy working with players.”

He also keeps a keen eye on the England’s Premier league...and one club in particular.

“I always try and look out for the Everton result. It would be great of they can beat United today. Of course, United are always one of the teams you want to beat because they are such a good team but after the start Everton have made to the season, they should be full of confidence too.”