Super Eagles legend Emmanuel Amunike has denied speculations that he voted for Mohammed Salah against his countryman Victor Osimhen for the CAF POTY award npflupdates.com reports.
In a video that went viral on Monday night, Amunike was captured when he said Salah during a question and answer session; where Africa ln football legends were asked their favourite for the 2023 CAF POTY award.
Also read: I’m Ready For The Super Eagles – Amunike
The pronunciation didn’t go down well with Nigerians who called out the Olympic gold medalist alleging sabotage.
Amunike has however denied the speculations, stressing that he was never asked to pick amongst Osimhen, Salah and Hakimi. According to the former Barcelona forward, he was presented with Mohammed Salah and Achraf Hakimi.
Amunike denies speculations he worked against Osimhen at the 2023 CAF awards
“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,” Amunike started on sports session anchored by British journalist Osasu Obayiuwana.
“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.”
He continued, saying that the better Arabian team argument was brought up by an Egypt former player, hence his decision to pick Salah.
“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.
Also read:Â Christian Chukwu : The Super Eagles Is Currently Not A Team
“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.”
Speaking further, Amunike told critics that there is no way he can vote against Osimhen, whom he brought up during their with the Golden Eaglets (Nigeria’s U-17).
“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.
Also read:Â Osimhen Sends New Message To Emmanuel Amunike After 2023 CAF Awards
“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 saying.
In another story, Ivorian legend Didier Drogba has expressed interest in meeting the reigning CAF POTY winner Victor Osimhen.
