Emmanuel Amunike is a well-known Nigerian footballer and coach. He was a great player during his time and is now a respected coach. Many people remember him for his skill on the football field, especially when he played for Nigeria. He played an important role in Nigeria’s football history, helping the country win big games.
After retiring as a player, he became a coach. He has worked with different teams and helped young footballers grow. His journey from a football player to a coach is an inspiring story. In this article, we will look at Emmanuel Amunike’s life, career, net worth, age, wife, and coaching career.
Profile Summary
Full Name: Emmanuel Amunike
Date of Birth: December 25, 1970
Age: 54 years old
Place of Birth: Eziobodo, Owerri, Nigeria
Nationality: Nigerian
Occupation: Former footballer, Football coach
Position Played: Winger
Height: 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)
Clubs Played For: Julius Berger, Zamalek, Sporting CP, Barcelona, Albacete, Busan IPark
Coaching Career: Nigeria U-17, Tanzania National Team, El Makasa
Net Worth: Estimated at $1 million – $5 million
Marital Status: Married
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachamuneke/
Emmanuel Amunike Life and Background
Emmanuel Amunike was born on December 25, 1970, in Eziobodo, a small town in Owerri, Nigeria. He grew up in a simple home with his family. As a young boy, he loved playing football. He played with friends in the streets and fields of his hometown.
His passion for football grew stronger as he got older. He wanted to become a professional footballer and worked hard to improve his skills. His dedication paid off when he got the chance to play for a local football club.
Emmanuel Amunike Career
Emmanuel Amunike started his football career in Nigeria. His first professional club was Julius Berger, a well-known football club in Nigeria. He played very well for the team, and people started noticing his talent.
After playing for Julius Berger, he moved to Egypt to play for Zamalek, one of the biggest clubs in Africa. He became a key player for the team and won several trophies. His great performances in Egypt helped him gain international recognition.
Amunike’s talent caught the attention of European clubs. In 1994, he joined Sporting CP, a top club in Portugal. This was a big step in his career. He played well and became one of the best players in the team.
His performances in Portugal impressed FC Barcelona, one of the biggest football clubs in the world. In 1996, he signed with Barcelona. Playing for Barcelona was a dream come true for him. However, he struggled with injuries during his time at the club, which affected his performance.
After leaving Barcelona, he played for Albacete in Spain and then moved to Busan IPark in South Korea before retiring.
International Career
Emmanuel Amunike played for the Nigerian national team, also known as the Super Eagles. He was one of the most important players in the team during his time.
In 1994, he helped Nigeria win the Africa Cup of Nations. This was a proud moment for him and the country. That same year, he also played in the FIFA World Cup.
One of his greatest achievements was at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. He scored two goals in the final match against Argentina, helping Nigeria win the gold medal. This was the first time an African country won Olympic gold in football.
After struggling with injuries, Amunike decided to retire from football. Even though he stopped playing, he still wanted to be part of football. This led him to become a coach.
Coaching Career
After retiring, Amunike focused on coaching. He wanted to help young footballers become great players.
One of his biggest coaching achievements was with Nigeria’s U-17 team. In 2015, he led the team to victory in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. His coaching skills helped young Nigerian players shine on the world stage.
In 2018, Amunike became the head coach of Tanzania’s national team. He helped the team qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. This was a big achievement for Tanzania because they had not qualified for the tournament in 39 years.
After leaving Tanzania, Amunike worked with different teams. He has continued to develop as a coach, hoping to achieve even greater success in the future.
Emmanuel Amunike Family
Emmanuel Amunike is a private person. He does not share much about his personal life. However, he is known to be married. He values his family and prefers to keep them away from the public eye.
Emmanuel Amunike Net Worth
Emmanuel Amunike’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. His wealth comes from his football career, coaching jobs, and endorsements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emmanuel Amunike
When and where was Emmanuel Amunike born?
He was born on December 25, 1970, in Eziobodo, Owerri, Nigeria.
Which clubs did Emmanuel Amunike play for?
He played for Julius Berger (Nigeria), Zamalek (Egypt), Sporting CP (Portugal), Barcelona (Spain), Albacete (Spain), and Busan IPark (South Korea).
Why did Emmanuel Amunike retire from football?
He retired due to injuries that affected his performance and ability to continue playing at a high level.
What teams has Emmanuel Amunike coached?
He has coached Nigeria’s U-17 team, leading them to win the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He also coached the Tanzania national team, helping them qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Is Emmanuel Amunike married?
Yes, he is married, but he keeps his personal life private.
What is Emmanuel Amunike doing now?
He is still involved in football as a coach and sometimes works as a football analyst.
Read more:
- Austin Eguavoen Biography: Net Worth, Age, Profile, Career
- Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Biography: Age, Education, Career, Relationship and Net Worth
Conclusion
Emmanuel Amunike’s journey from a young boy playing football in Nigeria to becoming an international football star and coach is inspiring. He achieved great success as a player and is now helping the next generation as a coach. His story is proof that hard work and dedication can lead to greatness.