Al Ain striker Emmanuel Emenike has announced his retirement from the Super Eagles, two weeks after former captain Vincent Enyeama also called it quits with the senior national team.
Emenike made the shocking announcement on Monday night via his Instagram account Chiboy_ee29.
Emenike wrote : “No more Eagles career! After 5 great years, I am happy to announce that I have put full-stop to my National team career for the sake of national peace,” insinuating that he might also have fallen out with coach Sunday Oliseh, like Enyeama did just before the Lille keeper retired.
“It’s a pleasure for me to have played for this great country. I never regretted it and I think its the best time to end it. Millions 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 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!”
Despite claiming that all his international dreams have been fulfilled, Emenike apologised to fans for his recent goal drought having not scored for Nigeria in two years.
“For every dissapointed fan, 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,” he added.
“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.
Currently playing on loan at Dubai club Al Ain, Emenike debuted for Nigeria at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos during a friendly game against Sierra Leone in 2011.