EMMANUEL EMINIKE QUITS SUPER EAGLE

Emmanuel Emenike (second left)

Super Eagles Striker, Emmanuel Emenike, who on Monday night announced his retirement from the national team, has hinged his decision on the inclement environment now in the team.

Emenike called time on his five-year career with the Super Eagles through his Instagram page, where he said he was ‘No longer a Super Eagles player.”

Explaining his decision, the 28-year-old player said, “It has always been my pleasure to play and win for the team.
“I am always proud of my successful years in the team and I am pleased to call it off at this point in order to avoid insults.”

He also told BBC yesterday that quitting the Eagles was not an easy decision, adding, “I didn’t think my international career would come to a sudden end, but that is life.

“Sometimes it is better to remove yourself from an environment that doesn’t suit you mentally and physically, this is what I have done. “I also felt it was important that people hear directly from me to avoid a funny twist to the story.

“I wish to thank the coaches who gave me a chance, fellow players and in particular big thanks to all my fans for their unconditional support.”

Emenike’s action seems to have taken the decision out of Coach Sunday Oliseh’s hands, as Nigerian fans have constantly questioned why the Brazil 2014 star should continually feature for the Eagles when he is obviously out of form.

In his five-year spell with the Eagles, Emenike made 37 appearances for Nigeria, scoring nine times. But he has not scored any goal in two years, prompting heavy criticism of his continued selection.

Emenike made his Nigeria debut in February 2011 before playing an integral role in the team’s successful 2013 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, finishing joint-top scorer with four goals as his side secured the title. He last found the net for Nigeria in October of that year in the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia.

Emenike has been in fine form for Al Ain, though, after joining the club from Turkey’s Fenerbahce in July. Replacing the prolific Asamoah Gyan, he scored twice on debut in the 4-2 Super Cup victory against Al Nasr. Since then, Emenike has taken his tally to five goals in six matches for the Garden City side.