Emenike: I Am Not Finished Yet
Super Eagles forward, Emmanuel Emenike, has defended his selection in Nigeria’s squad to face Tanzania this weekend in Dar es Saam in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, insisting that the team’s new handler, Sunday Oliseh, knows he is not past his best.
Emenike was top scorer as Nigeria won a third AFCON title in South Africa in 2013.
But after failing to shine at last year’s World Cup in Brazil, the big striker was left out by then coach Stephen Keshi and it seemed his international career was nearing an end when he last played against Sudan in October amid speculations of a frosty relationship with the coach.
And his chances of a comeback appeared to dim when new coach Oliseh declared he would only work with players in the top leagues of the world.
Emenike is now at Al Ain of Dubai on loan from Fenerbache, but Oliseh has insisted he will go with his pedigree.
The striker said he is not losing sleep over criticisms, adding he was not bothered when he wasn’t called up because the national team belongs to every Nigerian footballer.
“Is anybody criticising me? Well, I don’t have answers for critics, but I have answers for Tanzania and coach Oliseh,” Emenike told AfricanFootball.com in a frank interview.
“I am very familiar with the situations in Nigeria. As a footballer, there is no number of critics who will make me to lose focus. In life, we have different kinds of people, so also in football.
“The coach (Oliseh) knows I am not a finished striker, he knows my worth and that’s why he’s giving me a chance.”
He continued: “Let me put this straight - Super Eagles is not the property of an individual, but for every Nigerian footballer. I have never been desperate over it, but I always play for my country with humility and respect.
“Nigeria is bigger than me or any other player. I was never disappointed being out of the team, it’s great to be here in camp and give the coach a deserved honour.”
Speaking about what the critics have been saying that Emenike is Oliseh favourite, he said:“That’s why I said I don’t have answers for the critics.”
On Saturday’s AFCON qualifier in Tanzania, Emenike said victory is the target and ticket to AFCON 2017 is a priority.
“There are no easy games for Eagles in Africa again, those smaller countries always want to prove difficult and surprise Nigeria, but we must have it at the back of our mind that we are facing a tough task.