Osimhen vs Salah: Emmanuel Amuneke dismisses reports that he voted for Egypt star in 2023 CAF Awards

Nigerian football legend Emmanuel Amuneke recently angered many people when he appeared to choose Mohamed Salah to win the 2023 CAF African Player of the Year over Victor Osimhen.

The Super Eagles assistant coach has now clarified his comments, which caused a stir on Monday, December 11.

Ahead of the awards gala in Morocco, football legends in a bus were asked to pick between Salah, Achraf Hakimi and Osimhen. Amuneke was heard saying Salah.

Most people expected him to choose Osimhen, a player he coached in the junior teams. Furthermore, it was odd to hear him choose Salah over his countryman.

Nigerians were not happy, but the Napoli striker ended up winning the award ahead of Salah and Hajkimi. he became the first Nigerian to win it in 24 years. Nwankwo Kanu was the last Nigerian to win the award.

During his speech after getting the award, Osimhen showered Amuneke with praise.

“He believed in me right from the start...he was the brain behind the motivation, and it is absolutely right for me to acknowledge him at the biggest stage because behind closed doors, he has helped me a lot. He is present here and here to witness what he has produced,” Osimhen told CAFOnline.

Amuneke clarifies Salah vs Osimhen comment

After the awards, Amuneke clarified his comments according to Bolarinwa Olajide.

“I was never elected to vote in the CAF Awards. A Moroccan journalist came to me and asked ‘Hakimi or Salah’. I said Salah because I played in Egypt and lived in Egypt, and I know some of the guys there. Osimhen was never in the conversation.”

His remarks were probably taken out of context and given how Osimhen lauded him in his speech; the veteran coach has cleared the air with Nigeria's best player.