A tree, so the saying goes, does not make a forest, and the Tunisia ’94 hero has urged other Nigerian stars to be inspired by the youngster’s latest move
Former Barcelona winger Emmanuel Amuneke has labelled new Napoli signing Victor Osimhen has the ‘future’ of Nigerian football while applauding the young striker’s transfer to the Serie A giants.
Osimhen completed his $96 million switch from Lille to Napoli over the weekend, becoming the most expensive African player of all time.
It’s an incredible rise to the top of the game for a youngster whose early life was bedevilled by poverty and tragedy.
And the man who gave him his first shot at stardom at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile is confident that a lot more is still to come from the 21-year-old.
“He is now the future of Nigeria at only 22,” Amuneke told Voice of Nigeria, VON.
“His transfer is good for Nigeria, and I wish him well. We are grateful to God for the opportunity to work with players like him.”
No other Nigerian star has ever commanded such a huge transfer fee, with Alex Iwobi’s £40 million move from Arsenal to Everton last summer the closest.
On current market value, only Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and Villarreal forward Samuel Chukwueze have the potential to attract hefty transfer fees.
Amuneke insists more Super Eagles stars have to step up the plate for Nigeria to be ready for the challenges ahead.
“I also hope other players make it to the big stage, that will be how we can aspire to win something,” Amuneke added.
“For Nigeria to achieve anything meaningful, we need a strong team, which is not just about two or three players.
“We need top players in all departments as well as those on the bench. That way at any given time anyone can play.”
Only a handful of Gernot Rohr’s men play their football in the top five leagues in Europe with others hustling it out in Scotland, Cyprus, Turkey, Belgium, and such others.
