Nigeria forward Emmanuel Emenike has declared his retirement from international soccer at the age of twenty eight, turning into the second player after Vincent Enyeama to sign out of the senior national team.
The Al ain player who was high scorer at the 2013 Africa Cup of nations in Republic of South Africa took the choice for peace to reign within the Super Eagles where he felt shouldn't be a ‘family house’ or a ‘threat zone’ to anyone.
Reports had recommended that Emenike can be kicked out of the Super Eagles setup no because of his poor form for the country. He had struggled for goals since finding the back of the net against Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa throughout the 2014 Fifa tournament play-off in October 2013.
This might have forced him out of the team, bringing an end to a Nigeria career that saw him play in one tournament and one Africa Cup of nations where his four goals handed the Super Eagles their third title as well as the topscorer’s award.
He wrote on Instagram: “No more Eagles career! after five great years, i'm 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 ne'er regretted it and i think it’s the best time to end it. Million thanks to all the fans who have been very supportive throughout the good and bad times.
“I am very pleased with my performance, i'm pleased with my team mates and i am very pleased with the nation referred to as ‘Nigeria’. My Afcon gold medal is a sign of great accomplishment, My Afcon topscorer award speaks a lot regarding 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 anyone.
“I have done according to our 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 compete at the world Cup as well as to build a reputation for myself… within the space of five years, I got them. I’m a winner!
“For each dissatisfactory fans, perhaps 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'm happy to make a bow and continue supporting the team anytime,” he concluded.
Emenike will be fondly 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.
