Nigerian striker, Emmanuel Emenike seems to have banished the demons tormenting his career as he scored twice on his debut for Al Ain FC in a 4-2 win over Al Nasr to lift the Arabian Gulf Super Cup.
Emenike produced a performance of tireless running on a hot night in Abu Dhabi on Saturday and was rewarded with two goals after finishing off moves from close range as the league champions kick-starts its season campaign with crucial victory and a proof that it is still the team to beat in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Emenike’s strong showing on his debut is likely to help Al Ain fans quickly overcome the loss of their former talismanic striker, Asamoah Gyan, who was sold to Shanghai SIPG in the close season after a prolific four-year spell with the club.
Emenike, on loan from Turkish club Fenerbahce, is expected to fill the void left by the Ghanaian skipper as Al Ain kick-off the defence of their Arabian Gulf League title on Friday at home to Al Dhafra. A good performance could earn him recall to the national team fold which he has missed since his form dipped last year.
By Olisemeka Obeche (with agency reports)
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