Have you ever imagined a player bringing himself on in a game to become a hero? That was the story of former Everton forward Daniel Amokachi in the 1994/1995 FA Cup semi-final clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
With Everton leading 2-1, Paul Rideout got injured in the 70th minute of the clash and unknowingly to the manager Joe Royle, Amokachi brought himself on for the injured Rideout.
In the 82nd minute, Graham Stuart delivered a pinpoint pass to the far post and Amokachi was at the right spot to head the ball past Ian Walter.
At the stroke of the end of the normal regulation time, the retired Nigerian bagged a brace after Gary Albett delivered a sweeping cross into the penalty area for him to poke the ball into the net.
Everton won the tournament, beating Manchester United by a solitary goal through a 30th-minute strike from the man Amokachi replaced in the semi-final Rideout.
Asked whether it was one of the substitutions he had ever made, Royle gave an exhilarating and unsurprising response.
“Yes, one of the best substitutions I never made”
Amokachi didn’t have the best time with Everton but will forever be remembered for his heroics against Tottenham.
The three-time African Footballer of the Year spent two seasons at Goodison Park, featuring in 49 games and registering 13 goals and one assist.
Watch the heroics of Amokachi’s highlight against Spurs below:
