FC IfeanyiUbah is gradually becoming a household name in Nigerian football thanks to their exploits in the 2016 Federation Cup.
The Anambra Warriors followed up their strong finish in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) by clinching the oldest club competition beating Nasarawa United 5-4 on penalties on Sunday.
Brazilian coach, Rafael Everton Lira, was the man who made this possible from the touchline with his unrivalled tactical prowess.
But the former Fluminense player is still unpopular amongst Nigerians.
Here are three things you probably didn’t know about the Brazilian.
- First South American to win title
Everton’s exploit in the Federation Cup has made him the first South American coach to achieve that feat.
“I’m very happy to be the first South American coach to win this prestigious trophy in Nigeria because my name could stay in the records for 100 years,” the gaffer told BBC Sport.
“The club president Ifeanyi Ubah gave me the opportunity to work here and I managed to blend the Brazilian and Nigerian philosophy.”
- Learned trade alongside Diego Simeone
Everton didn’t just stumble into coaching; he went through proper training just like every other decent manager in the world. The gaffer even attended same coaching school with the likes of Atletico Madrid coach, Diego Simeone.
“I stopped playing and went for my course where I was in the same class as (Atletico Madrid coach) Diego Simeone,” said Everton.
“Then I was managing the Fluminense second team before I was approached by the club owner to come to Nigeria.”
- Youngest coach to win a Nigerian title
Everton, at 27, became the youngest manager to win a domestic title in Nigeria. The Brazilian whose playing career was abruptly cut short due to injury, is certainly the youngest to qualify a team for continental football.
