Nigeria's Emenike quits international football

Nigeria's Emmanuel Emenike celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2013 Orange African Cup of Nations quarterfinal match between Ivory Coast and Nigeria, at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on February 03, 2013 in Rustenburg, South Africa. PHOPTO | FILE |   AFP


The 28-year-old said on his Instagram account he was calling time on his five-year career for the national side, telling fans he was "no longer a Super Eagles player".

"It has always being my pleasure to play and win for the team," he wrote.

"I am always proud of my successful years in the team and I am pleased to call it off at this point in order to avoid insults."

Emenike, who plays his club football for Al Ain of Dubai, is the second player to announce his retirement from Nigeria's senior squad this month.

Lille goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama - Nigeria's most-capped player — said he was calling it quits after a much publicised row with coach Sunday Oliseh.

Oliseh was reportedly considering leaving out Emenike for next month's World Cup qualifier against Swaziland because he has not scored at international level for two years.

The former Spartak Moscow player, at Al Ain on loan from Turkish side Fenerbahce, has, however, featured in the first four matches since Oliseh took over from Steven Keshi.

Emenike made his international debut in a friendly against Sierra Leone in Lagos in February 2011 and was top scorer at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations that Nigeria won.

But he soon after hit a bad patch and his last goal for Nigeria was in October 2013, in a World Cup qualifying play-off against Ethiopia.

In all, he made 37 appearance for the Super Eagles, scoring nine times.

In Summary

• His last goal for Nigeria was in October 2013, in a World Cup qualifying play-off against Ethiopia.
• The 28-year-old said on his Instagram account he was calling time on his five-year career for the national side, telling fans he was "no longer a Super Eagles player".