Former Super Eagles, Zamalek and FC Barcelona winger, Emmanuel Amuneke has poured encomium on the leadership of Imo Football Association following an award of ‘honorary’ membership to him.
Amuneke was on Thursday conferred with an ‘honorary’ membership of the Imo FA which is led by Amanze Uchegbulem.
At the colourful ceremony at the magnificent Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN Secretariat, Owerri was the highlight of the 2021 Annual General Congress of the Imo FA.
The FA said the recognition of the former FIFA U17 World Cup winning coach at Chile 2015 was in recognition of his invaluable contribution to football development not just in the state but Nigeria in general.
As a player, Amuneke payed a pivotal role in Nigeria Super Eagles triumph at the 1994 Nation’s Cup in Tunisia, scoring a brace as Super Eagles cruised to a 2-1 win against Chipolopolo of Zambia in the final.
Two years later, the left winger flicked in the eventual match winner as the U23 Olympic Eagles, Dream Team came from behind to crush Argentina 3-2 to become the first African nation to win the Olympic Games Soccer medal.
After an illustrious playing career in Europe, Anuneke assisted Manu Garba to win the FIFA U17 World Cup in Dubai, UAE, in 2013.
The 49-year-old ended Tanzania’s 39-year AFCON shut out by qualifying Taifa Stars of Tanzania for the 2019 Nation’s Cup in Egypt before taking up a coaching appointment with Egyptian Premier League side, El Makkasa.
These are part of the positives he’s expected to bring into the Imo FA and he promised to do just whenever he’s around.
“I’m overwhelmed by this award”, said Amuneke, who was represented on the occasion by Emeka Amajiriaku, CEO, ASJ football Academy, Eziobodo, near Owerri.
“It’s like a prophet recognised by his own people.
“I’ll contribute my own quota to ensure the development of the game of football in the state”, Amuneke responded.
