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Osimhen: ‘I Didn’t Vote For Salah’ – Emmanuel Amunike Clarifies CAF Awards Controversy
Emmanuel Amunike, the former Super Eagles winger and 1994 AFCON winner, has addressed the controversy surrounding the 2023 CAF Player of The Year award.
Amuneke clarified that he did not participate in the voting process that saw Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen clinch the prestigious accolade.
Following a video shared by CAF depicting Amuneke allegedly choosing Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah in the voting order, Nigerians expressed backlash, assuming he didn’t support Osimhen.
However, Amuneke set the record straight, asserting that Osimhen wasn’t even considered when he mentioned Salah.
In a Nigerian Sports Village Square WhatsApp group statement, Amuneke clarified the situation, emphasizing that he wasn’t involved in the voting. He detailed a conversation during a trip to a novelty game in Marrakech, where an ex-Egyptian national team player initiated a discussion comparing Hakimi and Salah, seeking Amuneke’s opinion.
When asked ‘Hakimi or Salah,’ considering my time in Egypt and connections there, I chose Salah,” explained Amuneke, shedding light on the context behind his choice.
Amuneke expressed his happiness at Osimhen’s success and wished the Napoli striker greater achievements in his career, reinforcing his support for the Nigerian talent. He highlighted Osimhen as a player of national pride and hoped for more remarkable milestones in his career for Nigeria’s advancement.
Amuneke, a former recipient of the CAF Player of The Year award himself in 1994, emphasized his respect and admiration for Osimhen’s accomplishments, dispelling any notions of opposition or lack of support towards the talented Nigerian striker.
