Storyteller
Nigerian poet, multidisciplinary creative, and project planner, Bash Amuneni, has been named the new Poet in Residence at Portsmouth Football Club, making him the first Nigerian poet to hold such a position at an English football club.
Amuneni, known for his evocative storytelling and powerful performances, shared the announcement on LinkedIn, describing it as a moment of triumph after years of struggle and perseverance.
Excitement
“This is more than just an announcement. This is a destination,” he wrote, reflecting on a journey filled with rejection, disregard, and the weight of an uncertain creative path. “Poetry has never let me go.”
Portsmouth FC, a historic club with 126 years of legacy, has seen many legendary Nigerian footballers grace its stadium, including Kanu Nwankwo, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, and John Utaka. Now, Amuneni will bring a different kind of artistry to Fratton Park, capturing the club’s spirit and resilience through poetry.
Poetry in Motion
“Football is poetry in motion,” he wrote. “The rhythm of the game, the chants from the stands, the unspoken bond between fans and players—it’s all part of a larger story, one that deserves to be told with the weight and wonder of poetry.”
His residency will involve commissioned poems inspired by the streets of Portsmouth, match-day energy, and workshops with young fans. Through his words, he hopes to encapsulate the city’s history, identity, and unwavering passion for the club.
Amuneni, who balances poetry with project management and planning, sees this opportunity as a fusion of his creative and professional passions. “This is just the beginning. But for me, it feels like arriving home,” he wrote, signing off with Portsmouth FC’s famous rallying cry: “Play up Pompey!”
His appointment is a significant milestone in the intersection of sports and the arts, proving once again that football’s influence extends far beyond the pitch.
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