Emmanuel Emenike has announced his retirement from
international football at the age of 28, becoming the
second player after Vincent Enyeama to sign out of the
senior national team.
Emenike, the Al Ain player who was the top scorer at
the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa took the
decision for peace to reign in the Super Eagles where he
felt should not be a ‘threat zone’ to any individual.
He wrote on Instagram: “No more Eagles career! After
five great years, I am happy to announce that I have
put a 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 topscorer 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 to win
the Nations Cup for Nigeria after 20-years, I dreamt to
play 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 fan, maybe due to my inability
to re-establish my goal scoring instinct for the 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 take a bow and continue
supporting the team every time,” he concluded.
Soccer analysts had suggested that Emenike might be
kicked out of the Super Eagles because of his poor
form. This might have forced him out of the team,
bringing an end to a Nigeria career that saw him play in
one World Cup and one Africa Cup of Nations where his
four goals handed the Super Eagles their third title as
well as the top scorer’s award.
Emenike will be remembered for his rib cracking missile
against Cote d’Ivoire in the quarter final of the 2013
AFCON where the Eagles soared 2-1 at the Royal
Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg.
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