12th December, 2023
By Adegbite Anjolaoluwa Daniel
Super Eagles legend Emmanuel Amunike has come under heavy fire for suggesting that Mohammed Salah deserves the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award ahead of his compatriot Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen has had a remarkable year for Napoli and the Super Eagles, and is believed to be the favourite for the prize, which he eventually won in the Moroccan city of Marrakech on Monday night.
However, Amunike, who recorded 39 caps for Nigeria has continued to receive knocks over a differing opinion.
The renowned coach has come forward to set the record straight, while speaking on Nigerian Sports Village Square, vehemently denying the accusations that he had purposely chosen Salah over Osimhen.
The coach clarified that he was not involved in the voting process at all.
Amunike explained the context surrounding the controversy, stating that during a discussion on the Arabian team en route to a novelty game in Marrakech, a former player and captain of the Egyptian national team sought his opinion on Hakimi and Salah.
Amuneke, drawing on his experience living and playing in Egypt, expressed his preference for Salah. At no point during this exchange did the discussion involve Osimhen.
Expressing disappointment and frustration, Amuneke called on his fellow journalists and sports enthusiasts to refrain from spreading false news or creating misleading impressions.
With emphasis, he emphasized that their role as journalists is to inform the public accurately and responsibly, thereby maintaining the integrity of the profession.
Amuneke reasserted his loyalty and support for Osimhen, emphasizing that the young Nigerian talent was an integral part of the team and that he wished him continued success in his career.
The coach also expressed his satisfaction with Osimhen’s achievements thus far and expressed optimism that the striker will continue to excel and contribute to the development of Nigerian football.
Amunike concluded his response by urging everyone to depend on verified sources and approach rumors with caution before disseminating them to avoid causing unnecessary controversies and misunderstandings.
“Good morning house, I want to use this opportunity to clear what some of you are saying in this platform. With all due respect to every one of you that I owe with high regard.
“First of all, I want you to understand the rumours that you guys are [spreading] concerning me not voting Osimhen. I was never elected to vote.
“On our way to the novelty game that we played in Marrakech here, a former player and captain of the Egyptian national team – who is preparing himself to become a TV producer in Egypt – with his group, he was debating on the Arabian team and he raised the question between Hakimi and Salah.
“There was time Osimhen was mentioned in that discussion. He came to me and asked ‘Hakimi or Salah’. I have to say Salah. And the reason why I said Salah was because I played in Egypt and I lived in Egypt and I know some of the guys there.
“So, there is nothing like voting against Osimhen. Osimhen is our player and our boy. We are happy about what he has achieved and we hope he would continue to dream and achieve more for the betterment of his career and the betterment of Nigeria.
“It has come a time in our culture in Nigeria – with all due respect to you guys, we should stop spreading false news and stop creating false impression to the people. We are journalists and our responsibility is to inform the public what is right,” he concluded.