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By Wakawaka Sports
Former African Footballer of the Year and technical director of Heartland FC of Owerri, Emmanuel Amunike, last weekend joined millions of volunteers around the world in an anti-polio march organized by the Rotary Club of Owerri to raise awareness of the disease and support global eradication efforts.
The exercise, which took participants across parts of Owerri, the Imo State capital, began at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, attracting volunteers and other stakeholders committed to promoting public health and community development.
Amunike, a former Nigerian international with an illustrious career as a player and coach, was one of the major attractions during the exercise as she joined other participants in demonstrating her commitment to volunteering and humanitarian causes.
The former winger represented Zamalek of Egypt, FC Porto of Portugal and FC Barcelona of Spain during his playing career. He won the African Footballer of the Year award in 1994 after his impressive performances for club and country.
After retiring from active football, Amunike moved into coaching and continued to contribute to the development of the game. He led Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets to victory at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, establishing himself as a coach with a proven track record of developing young football talent.
He also coached Tanzania’s senior national team, the Taifa Stars, to qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, ending the country’s 39-year absence from continental competition.
His participation in the march organized by the Rotary Club of Owerri highlights his commitment to activities beyond football, particularly initiatives that promote public awareness, community service and people’s well-being.
Since his involvement with Heartland FC in Owerri, Amunike has continued to contribute to the development of football in Imo State, bringing his vast international experience to bear on the club’s repositioning efforts.
His presence at the exercise highlighted the importance of involving prominent sports personalities in public health campaigns, particularly those aimed at encouraging community participation in the fight against polio.
Polio is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause permanent paralysis, particularly in children. Vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing the disease, while public awareness and community participation remain essential to eradication efforts.
For Amunike, whose football career has taken him across Africa and Europe, the march offered another opportunity to demonstrate that the values of teamwork, dedication and service associated with sport can also make a significant contribution to society.
