Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen on Monday thanked legend Emmanuel Amunike for his role in his career.
Osimhen was crowned the 2023 Confederation of African Football (CAF) African Player of the Year at a ceremony in Marrakesh, Morocco.
Ahead of the big event, the CAF social media account shared a video where it asked legends of the African game to name their preferred winner for the African Player of the Year Award of the three nominees between Osimhen, Mohammed Salah, and Achraf Hakimi.
The legends were seemingly in transit to the gala when the content was recorded, and although majority of them went for Osimhen, including former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor. Amunike named Salah when the camera panned on him.
This saw the assistant coach of the Super Eagles come under criticism on social media.
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However, after receiving the award, Osimhen said: “First of all, I want to say thank you to God for everything. Special thanks go to Mr. Emmanuel Amunike; without him, I don’t think I would be standing in front of you guys holding one of the most prestigious awards in world football.
“It’s a dream come true for me. I want to thank everyone who has seen me through life’s journey. In achieving my dreams, in achieving my goals.
“I appreciate Nigerians for their support; I appreciate Africa for putting me on the map, for encouraging me, and for defending me regardless of my shortcomings.
“I also thank Emmanuel Adebayo for his encouragement. Solomon Kalu, I appreciate you. And every African legend that I have looked up to while growing up has inspired me. Didier Drogba, my role model, thank you so much. God bless you all.”
