‘Journalists did so much damage’ - AFCON winner backs Oliseh, explains why he retired from National team

Emmanuel Emenike was one of Super Eagles' influential strikers who made a name for himself in the team.

The forward made his debut in 2010 for the Super Eagles in a friendly game against Sierra Leone. 

He went on to contribute to the success of the Super Eagles in the 2013 AFCON which Nigerian went on to win.

Emenike's attitude while on the national team was recently complimented by Oliseh in a heated interview.

He also disclosed that the former Fenerbahce player retired because he was unable to handle the criticism he was receiving from the media.

However, Emenike has now come out to support the narrative on his Instagram social media account.

Emenike said, “I was respectful, humble and gave everything for Naija (Nigeria) l but you can never satisfy everyone.

“Journalists did so much damage. I was never loved and I know this because of the things they put out about me. The love for my country was my driving force.”

Emenike ended his international career at the age of 28 two years after making heroics with the national team. 

There were rumours that Sunday, who had recently been hired as the Super Eagles coach then, had pressured him to retire. However, Oliseh denied the allegations, saying Emenike made the final decision.

The former Fernabache forward made 35 appearances, scoring eight goals and providing six assists for the Super Eagles.