Sunday Oliseh’s iron-fist reign as Super Eagles coach has taken another controversial twist as star striker, Emmanuel Emenike, on Monday night announced his retirement from the national team via his social media account.
The embattled Fenerbace striker, currently on loan at Qatari club Al Ain, wrote on Instagram on Monday night that he has decided to end his international career after five years, with no reasons stated.
Emenike’s Instagram post read in parts:
“No more Eagles career! After five great years, I am happy to announce that I have put full-stop to my national team career for the sake of national peace.”
“It’s a pleasure for me to have played for this great country. I never regretted it and I think it’s the best time to end it. Million thanks to all the fans who have been very supportive during the good and bad times.
“I am very proud of my performance, I am proud of my team mates and I am very proud of the nation called ‘Nigeria’. My AFCON gold medal is a sign of great achievement, My AFCON top scorer award speaks a lot about my commitment and dedication to the team. Super Eagles is a camp not a family house, and it shouldn’t be a threat zone for any individual.
“I have done according to our national anthem. “All my dreams came true in the national team, I dreamt (sic) to win Nations Cup for Nigeria after 20-years, I dreamt (sic) to played at the World Cup as well as to make a name for myself… In the space of five years, I got them. I’m a winner!
“For every disappointing fans, maybe due to my inability to re-establish my goal scoring instinct for Super Eagles, I will like to say I’m sorry but the ones I had scored counted well for the team.
”As long as Nigeria remains, you and I will always remember the name ‘Emenike’. “Finally, I am happy to make a bow and continue supporting the team every time.”
Emenike played 35 times for the Super Eagles and scored 16 goals. The former Dynamo Moscow hit man has struggled to replicate the prolific form shown during the 2013 AFCON triumph and the subsequent 2014 World Cup qualifiers. His last goal for the Super Eagles was against Ethiopia in the 2-0 victory at Addis Ababa during the final leg of the World Cup qualifiers.
However, there are still doubts about the authenticity of the posts credited to Emenike, with many analysts suggesting it was a fake account.
By Olisemeka Obeche
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