Former Nigerian International, Emmanuel Emenike has backed the Super Eagles to beat Egypt come March regardless of his decision never to play for the national team again.
Emenike, who last played for Nigeria in November's world cup qualifiers against Swaziland retired that same month, after his issue with the former Eagles gaffer, Sunday Oliseh.
Nigeria take on group leaders Egypt on March 25 with a return match fixed for March 29 as the AFCON 2017 qualifying campaign gathers momentum.
“Irrespective of my decision not to play for the team anymore, I am still a very big fan of my beloved country, which I have been even before I got the chance to play for the team," Emenike told AfricanFootball.com
"And even without me, Nigeria will beat Egypt with the talented stars from across the world in the team with the fans always there to ginger and support the team to victory.
“I believe Nigeria will beat Egypt and nothing will stop them from getting to the Nations Cup."
The striker, who is on loan to West Ham United from Fenerbache, will also call on the fans to respect his decision to quit the Eagles amid rumours he could be recalled in the wake of Sunday Oliseh’s shock resignation and the return of coach Samson Siasia, who first capped him for Nigeria.
"With due respect to the fans and every patriotic football lovers across the World who still wants to see me play for the Eagles, my decision is very simple in the sense that I want to give room for other players in the team,” he maintained.
“I don't mean to hurt anybody especially my fans who want to see me back for Nigeria. I know the fans are always supportive whenever I played for the country. I can't turn back on the Super Eagles even though I am not going to be there again.
“The players have been wonderful, they are my friends and I always motivate some of them to get better and lift the team.
“I don't want to look disrespectful to the fans, who have always believed in me and the team."
“Irrespective of my decision not to play for the team anymore, I am still a very big fan of my beloved country, which I have been even before I got the chance to play for the team," Emenike told AfricanFootball.com
"And even without me, Nigeria will beat Egypt with the talented stars from across the world in the team with the fans always there to ginger and support the team to victory.
“I believe Nigeria will beat Egypt and nothing will stop them from getting to the Nations Cup."
The striker, who is on loan to West Ham United from Fenerbache, will also call on the fans to respect his decision to quit the Eagles amid rumours he could be recalled in the wake of Sunday Oliseh’s shock resignation and the return of coach Samson Siasia, who first capped him for Nigeria.
"With due respect to the fans and every patriotic football lovers across the World who still wants to see me play for the Eagles, my decision is very simple in the sense that I want to give room for other players in the team,” he maintained.
“I don't mean to hurt anybody especially my fans who want to see me back for Nigeria. I know the fans are always supportive whenever I played for the country. I can't turn back on the Super Eagles even though I am not going to be there again.
“The players have been wonderful, they are my friends and I always motivate some of them to get better and lift the team.
“I don't want to look disrespectful to the fans, who have always believed in me and the team."
AFCON Qualifiers: Emmanuel Emenike Backs Nigeria To Beat Egypt
Reviewed by Unknown
on
21:32:00
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
21:32:00
Rating:
No comments: