Super Eagles striker, Emmanuel Emenike, has announced his retirement from Nigeria after five years.
The 28-year old shared the sad news on his Instagram page:
“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 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 (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.”
His retirement comes after sources revealed that Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh was disappointed in the player and was planning to drop him from next month’s world cup qualifying match against Swaziland.
The Fenerbahçe striker scored 16 times in 35 appearances while on International duty.
Will Nigeria miss Emenike?