- He is a former Nigerian footballer
- He played as a defender in Nigeria, Portugal, Spain and Oman
- His brother Emmanuel influenced his passion for football
Kingsley Amuneke is a former professional footballer who played primarily as a defender in Belgium and Sweden. He was born in Eziobodo, Nigeria and is the younger brother of renowned footballer Emmanuel Amuneke and also has a younger brother by the name of Kevin who is also a footballer.
In my view, Kingsley was influenced by his elder brother Emmanuel to play football. He played in Nigeria with the local clubs and later left his country to hone his skills with clubs in Belgium and Sweden. His brother Emmanuel became a national hero after his success with the Nigerian national team and at clubs like Sporting CP and Vitoria de Guimaraes and it is most likely that this inspired Kingsley to pursue his footballing dreams.
Kingsley Amuneke Personal Life
Kingsley Amuneke was born on July 26th 1980 and is a former Nigerian player who played as a defender. He was born into a family of footballers as his elder brother Emmanuel was a renowned footballer in Nigeria and around the world, and we relate that he could be the influence behind Kingley’s passion for the sport. His younger brother Kevin is also a footballer.
Kingsley Amuneke. Photo/Daily Post Nigeria
The defender started playing in his neighbourhood with his friends, then moved to the local clubs eventually travelling abroad to join the top leagues. At the age of 17 years, Kingsley joined the youth academy of Beveren, a Belgian club. While playing for the club, he honed his skills as a central defender, known for his strength, tackling ability and aerial prowess.
He made his professional debut for Beveren in the Belgian First Division which is now known as the Jupiler Pro League and stayed with the club for a span of five seasons.
He then left for Sweden and joined Landskrona BolS in the Allsvenskan where he adapted well to the different playing style and pace of the Swedish league, where he continued being a reliable defender.
Unlike his brother Emmanuel, Kingsley is a very private person whose life details are not known. It is not clear if he left Sweden after his playtime with BolS for Nigeria or if he opted to stay there. However, we can conclude that his football career was successful and that he achieved his dream of being a professional footballer.
Kingsley Football Career
Kingsley started playing football locally in Nigeria with his friends and when playing, he was spotted by the Belgian scouts from Beveren. At the age of 17 years, Kingsley joined the youth academy of Beveren, a Belgian club. While playing for the club, he honed his skills as a central defender, known for his strength, tackling ability and aerial prowess.
Kingsley Amuneke. Photo/CNN
There may be possible questions about how Kingsley left Nigeria for Belgium and here we look at the possible ways that he might have used:
Youth Talent Scouting
Some clubs in Europe have established scouting networks in Africa to identify promising young players and this might be one way that Kingsley found his way to Belgium.
Through an agent or network connections
Most local clubs have established agents with network connections from the top clubs in the world and it could be that Kingsley had a path through an agent.
Academy of Trial opportunities
Some footballers move abroad through academy programs or trials. He could have been a beneficiary of such a circumstance, having participated in such programs in Nigeria or Belgium, showcasing his skills to impress coaches at Beveren and eventually earning a contract.
He made his professional debut for Beveren in the Belgian First Division which is now known as the Jupiler Pro League and stayed with the club for a span of five seasons.
He then left for Sweden and joined Landskrona BolS in the Allsvenskan where he adapted well to the different playing style and pace of the Swedish league, where he continued being a reliable defender.
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