Mo Salah over Osimhen: Ex-Barcelona star Amuneke responds strongly amidst barrage of criticisms

Football star suggests he was taken out of context in video that set social media ablaze

Former Barcelona winger Emmanuel Amuneke has revealed that he chose Mohamed Salah over Victor Osimhen when African legends asked him to choose the title of African Player of the Year in 2023. Soccernet.ng reported.

In a viral video posted on CAF’s social media channels ahead of the announcement, the former Super Eagles striker expressed his love for the Egypt and Liverpool star.

The 52-year-old was labeled “unpatriotic” and sparked a backlash from Nigerians, while also becoming Africa’s strongest after defeating the Moroccan star, who was defeated by Salah and Achraf Hakimi. Some felt that he was jealous of Napoli’s rising star.

Mr Amuneke, in the midst of his anger, had little patience for the disparaging comments of his compatriots, implying that he had been quoted out of context.

“Good morning, I would like to take this opportunity to clarify what some of you have been saying on this platform. “I salute each and every one of you,” said the 1994 African Champion The athlete said this at the Sports Village Plaza in Nigeria, moderated by veteran journalist Osusu Obaiyuwana.

“First of all, I want you to understand that you are spreading rumors that I will not vote for Osimhen. I have never been elected to vote.

“On our way to a novelty game we had here in Marrakech, a former player and captain of the Egyptian national team, who is preparing to become a television producer in Egypt, told a group about the Arab team. We talked and he asked: A question between Hakimi and Salah.

“Osimhen’s name came up during this discussion. He came up to me and asked, ‘Hakimi or Salah?’ I have to say he is Salah. And I say Salah because I play in Egypt, I live in Egypt and I know some of the players there. ”

For context, Osimhen was part of Amuneke’s Nigeria U17 team that won the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup. There, the Lagos-born goal machine won the Golden Shoe and Silver Ball.

Mr. Amuneke continued: “So there is nothing better than voting against Osimhen. Osimhen is our player, our boy. We are happy with what he has achieved and we wish him continued dreams. I hope that you will continue to work hard and achieve more to advance your career and Nigeria.

“This is a moment in Nigerian culture. With all due respect, we must stop spreading fake news and stop giving people the wrong impression.” We are journalists Our responsibility is to inform the public. What is right? ”

Osimhen, 24, scored 31 goals in 39 games for the Italian team last season as they won their first Serie A title since 1990.

He joins the hallowed ranks of Nigerians who have won the award, along with Rasheed Yekini, Amuneke, Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba.