Former Tanzania coach Emmanuel Amuneke was born on Christmas Day. He talks about his double Christmas celebrations and more from his base in Spain, in this interview with PUNCH Sports Extra
How are you going to celebrate this Christmas?
I hope to spend Christmas with my family here in Spain — my wife, my two boys and my brothers. It’s a day I usually celebrate, not because it happens to be my birthday, but because it is the celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s a day that families all over the world come together to celebrate the joy and love that Jesus represents.
How have you been spending previous Christmas?
It depends on which part of the world I find myself. But my Christmas celebration has always been memorable. The way we celebrate in Africa is different from the celebrations here. In Spain, the main activities are on the eve of Christmas Day, while the main day is for resting, unlike Nigeria, where there are more activities on Christmas Day.
Growing up, how did you celebrate the Yuletide?
Growing up back then, we celebrated Christmas visiting friends and families, unlike now that I host family and friends.
What was your favourite food on Christmas Day?
Well like any other kid growing up in Ajegunle, rice and stew was my favorite meal but as I grew up I requested for whatever I desired on the day. Lately, I don’t really pay attention to those things anymore as I usually go for meals that will keep me healthy and fit always.
What is the best Christmas gift you ever received?
The biggest gift I received on Christmas day is sharing the moments with my family. I cherish them so much and spending that special day with them means a lot to me.
As someone born on Christmas Day, how did your parents celebrate your birth day?
Of course, I was celebrated by my family because the day called for it. For my mother, Christmas is a double delight. Every family member makes sure I get the best and that I’m happy all through that day.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in few weeks in Ivory Coast, what’s your fondest memory of the tournament?
I have special moments of the AFCON, from when I heard I made the final squad for the 1994 edition, to me scoring two goals in the final against Zambia and also at the 2000 edition, making an assist for Julius Aghahowa to score the winner against Senegal in Lagos.
When I was told I was included in the squad for the 1994 edition, it was one of the happiest days in my life as a footballer.
I was privileged to be part of that star-studded team because that generation had a lot of great players but at the end of the day each player had to work their way to become established in the team.
But you didn’t get to play until the final. How did you feel watching the Eagles play their way into the final?
Every player wants to win the AFCON but for me, being my first time to participate and win it is a very good one. It’s a very great honour to have been in the midst of great players. Not playing any single game, then finding myself in the starting 11 for the final, to contributing two goals that eventually gave us the trophy, I think that tournament was very huge for me and the brace were some of the most important goals I scored in my career.
As a player, I was sad (not playing before the final) but I had to handle the disappointment by supporting my teammates on the pitch. In that way, it didn’t weigh me down but to be honest, we had a very great team, those that were playing deserved their places too. I tried not to be discouraged because I was focused and was hoping that I would get my opportunity and eventually when that opportunity came, I seized the moment.
In the final, coach Clemens Westerhof made some tactical changes for the final and introduced me, which worked for us as I scored twice to win the game. Those goals announced me to the world.
Do you think the Eagles can win the AFCON in Ivory Coast?
Of course, they can if they play cohesively as a team. We need to have it at the back of our minds that there are other countries too at the tournament capable of winning it as well. But I believe we have the players that can win the title for Nigeria. We just need some discipline.
How did you feel when Victor Osimhen was crowned the Africa Player of The Year?
Very happy. It’s shows that he didn’t relent despite the setbacks, he continued to work hard. I’m happy for him and I believe he can be a contender for the Ballon d’ Or if he puts in more efforts in his game. He’s becoming that great player that we saw in him nine years ago when we first saw him. He can win it again next year but like I said, hard work and consistency will be key to that.
Credit Gist New Today News in Newspaper Nigeria Headlines