By Wakawaka Sports
Former African Footballer of the Year and Technical Director of Heartland FC of Owerri, Emmanuel Amunike, last weekend joined millions of volunteers across the world in a walk against polio organised by the Rotary Club of Owerri to raise awareness about the disease and support global eradication efforts.
The exercise, which took participants through parts of Owerri, the Imo State capital, began at Dan Anyiam Stadium, attracting volunteers and other stakeholders committed to promoting public health and community development.
Amunike, a former Nigerian international with an illustrious playing and coaching career, was one of the major attractions during the exercise as he joined other participants to demonstrate his commitment to volunteerism and humanitarian causes.
The former winger represented Zamalek of Egypt, FC Porto of Portugal and FC Barcelona of Spain during his playing career. He won the African Footballer of the Year award in 1994 following his impressive performances for club and country.
After retiring from active football, Amunike moved into coaching and continued to contribute to the development of the game. He led Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets to victory at the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Chile, establishing himself as a coach with a proven record in developing young football talents.
He also coached Tanzania’s senior national team, the Taifa Stars, to qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, ending the country’s 39-year absence from the continental competition.
His participation in the walk organised by the Rotary Club of Owerri underscores his commitment to activities beyond football, particularly initiatives that promote public awareness, community service and the welfare of the people.
Since his involvement with Heartland FC in Owerri, Amunike has continued to contribute to football development in Imo State, bringing his wealth of international experience to bear on efforts to reposition the club.
His presence at the exercise highlighted the importance of engaging prominent sports personalities in public health campaigns, especially those aimed at encouraging community participation in the fight against polio.
Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that can cause permanent paralysis, particularly in children. Vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing the disease, while sustained public awareness and community participation remain essential to eradication efforts.
For Amunike, whose football career has taken him across Africa and Europe, the walk provided another opportunity to demonstrate that the values of teamwork, dedication and service associated with sports can also make a meaningful contribution to society.
