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Former Nigeria U17 head coach Emmanuel Amuneke has shared the story of how he discovered star striker Victor Osimhen during a trial in Abuja back in 2014.
Amuneke, a former Barcelona and Zamalek player, was tasked with building a team for the U17 World Cup in Chile. It was during these trials that he first encountered a young, relatively unknown Osimhen, who would later go on to become one of Africa’s top football talents.
According to the Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana's post, Amuneke initially overlooked Osimhen during the first round of trials. The coach admitted he was preoccupied with organizing the next set of players and did not give the youngster his full attention. However, Amuneke’s backroom staff quickly intervened, urging him to take a closer look at the boy in the long-sleeve green shirt, insisting that he had real potential.
Giving Osimhen another opportunity, Amuneke observed him more carefully and was immediately struck by his hunger, determination, and aggressiveness on the pitch. Instructing his staff to note down his name, Amuneke began developing the raw talent, refining his movements and precision. Reflecting on that moment, the former coach expressed immense pride in seeing how far Osimhen has come since that pivotal trial in Abuja.
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