Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma appointed Ex Super Eagles and Barcelona Star Emmanuel Amuneke the Grand Ambassador of Sports Development in the state during a state address at the House Assembly.
Emmanuel Amuneke, who is currently the technical manager of Heartland FC, returned to Nigeria from Spain to contribute to the growth of grassroots football in his home state. He helped Nigeria’s U23 team win gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and was pivotal to the Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations triumph over Zambia.
Uzodinma, speaking at the Imo House of Assembly, appreciated Amuneke’s role in building what he described as the Imo Dream Team.
“In the area of sports, we have gone beyond ceremonies and trophies to deploy sports as a vehicle for youth engagement, unity, and job creation.”The Governor Said.
“To further institutionalise this momentum, we appointed Olympic gold medallist Emmanuel Amuneke as Grand Ambassador for Sports Development“. He added.
Emmanuel Amuneke’s Laurel
- Emmanuel Amuneke netted both goals in Nigeria’s 2–1 victory against Zambia in the 1994 AFCON final.
- He became the first Nigerian to play for FC Barcelona’s senior team in La Liga. In 2010, Amuneke joined FIFA’s Technical Study Group, advising on major tournaments.
- In 2024, he launched the Imo Dream Team initiative to develop young athletes. Since 2023, Imo State has hosted national championships in beach volleyball and wrestling.
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