EMMANUEL Emenike, West Ham’s newly-signed striker, may have moved on to bigger things after the match fixing allegation that rocked his career in Turkey.
But the Nigerian won’t forget that episode in a hurry so much he tagged it as his ‘most traumatic moment’ in life. The former Al Ain striker recounted how he spent four days in Istanbul prison after he was robed in a match fixing scandal while playing for Karabukspor.
In May 2011, Emenike was accused of faking injury to avoid playing against Fenerbahce due to transfer negotiation between the two clubs for the Nigerian striker. He was later acquitted in one of the biggest football trials in Europe that saw the president of Fenerbahce, Aziz Yildirim, go to jail for six years.
“I was treated like a common criminal,” states a very emotional Emenike. “I cried like a baby because it was strange to me.”
He continues: “At a point, the trauma was so much for me to bear, so I had to go for counselling. After I was released, it was difficult for me to concentrate. There was no way I could remain with Fenerbahce and be focused.
“It was a bad and wicked experience. At that point, it was not about the money or passion but about my life and my happiness, so when the Spartak Moscow offer came I quickly jumped at it.
“The fans did not want me to go but I just had to because the prison trauma had affected me psychologically. In addition, it was an emotional day for me when I returned to the club in the UEFA Champions League qualifying match. I received a rousing welcome at the Istanbul Airport; they kept saying I was wanted in Fenerbahce, but I had put Istanbul behind me forever.”
Emenike speaks further in an online conversation with TAIWO ALIMI on his recent move to West Ham United, walking away from Super Eagles, and Sunday Oliseh; and reuniting with Victor Moses in England. Excerpts…
Moving to West Ham United
My transfer to West Ham came at the right time. It is like a blessing. I did not want to leave Al Ain but I think God ordained the move, it happened so fast and coming to the English Premiership is something I have always wanted. This move is not about money but it is difficult to explain to people who think every move is down to money. I have learned from my past, I am a striker and I want to prove that I can still score goals. I will get well and better in the team, the atmosphere is great, and I am hoping to start on a high note. I am hoping my teammates and the coach will help me to fit in perfectly because I am ready to adapt quickly and keep the confidence alive.
It is a new league with new challenges. As a striker, I am ready to build up my confidence and face the challenges and the technical ability of the league. There is no doubt that this is the best league in the world. West Ham was not in the picture at first. I had several offers from Asia and some European clubs that I was considering before the West Ham offer came. This is coupled with the fact that they have a coach who I admire, Slaven Bilic. He had always wanted me to play for him. However, sincerely, I do not know what he sees but I am relying on God to lead me and let me justify the confidence. I know it will be easy for me to work with him because we have been in two countries together and he must have seen something in me.
Reuniting with Victor Moses
Victor Moses is my friend from my days with the Super Eagles. We have been talking before moving to West Ham. He was happy when I told him about the transfer and he gave me good reasons why West Ham is the best for me at this time. We joked about our Nations Cup of Africa (AFCON) glory in 2013 and we both agreed it was teamwork that gave us the victory. I hope that I am looking forward to play with him and share that great moment again. I have a wonderful connection with him and know we will get better on the pitch.
Childhood dreams
I dreamt to become a great player; so I worked hard every day because I believe that is the only thing that can justify my dreams. While I was a little boy playing in the street, and you watch some players in African and Europe, it will definitely define your mindset. I was motivated by those great strikers; rugged strikers like Van Nisteerlroy, Djibril Cissé, Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba and others. At every point in time, I know my name is very important, so I go out to play my game and ensure the name ‘Emenike’ is growing.
Opting out of Nigerian league
I was never motivated to play in the local league, I dreamt to play football but not in the Nigerian league. There was one incident that pissed me off badly. There was a time I was training with a local club and we were to play a league side and that was the time I was about travelling out. My first touch was met with a rough tackle from behind, and I realised that he actually wanted to break my leg. Imagine if my leg had been broken.
After that and other incidents from my friends who had bad experiences in playing for local clubs, non-payment and all sorts of things, I swore never to play professionally here.
Offer from Turkish national team
It was not only Guus Hiddink that approached me to play for the Turkey national team, many people did and at a point. It became an issue for me but also, indirectly, I knew it will be difficult because of my parents. Hiddink is a good coach and he knows my quality, so he was right to pick on me for the Turkish national team but I don’t regret turning him down and playing for my fatherland.
My Super Eagles days
Before I came to represent Nigeria, I have heard and seen the good, bad, and the ugly sides of the team. However, to be frank with you, it was a lovely team to be. I went, I saw and I conquered and I have no regret. I accepted every good and bad memory I shared in the team, it is all about personality and motivation. It’s a team that is beyond any individual; it’s all about coming and contributing your own quota. It’s not about being radical and disrespectful as some people claimed. I represented the team with faith and determined heart, and so I got my rewards. I wasn’t scoring goals after I came into the team, and there was a debate if I would be taken to the Nations Cup. I even heard that some sections sensationally picked out my name from the list but it took the intervention of God to make it happen. Therefore, after making the list, God strengthened my legs to go out and conquer.
Best game for Nigeria
It was against Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire) and that is the feeling of every member of the team. We were ready to die on the pitch. We motivated ourselves and went into the match without any fear of (Didier) Drogba. We just went out and proved who was the better between the two teams and thank God, we came out victoriously. Drogba later came into our dressing room to congratulate us. Moreover, that was the moment I knew we were going to win the trophy. I told my dad we were coming back with the trophy after beating the Ivoirians.
Super Eagles scoring problem
I am saying it categorically that I was not the problem of the Super Eagles at that time. I don’t shift blame; I fault myself for my inability to convert some chances but not in every situation. I won’t say much over the Super Eagles scoring problems but I know I was never the problem. I used to laugh when people say a player lacks scoring instinct; a player that has won laurels and scored goals for you? In any case, I was not bothered, not at all. My retirement has a lot to do with personality. I retired when I thought it was the best time for me.
In addition, let me tell you this, that retirement is not about age, it’s all about motivation and personality. It was a right decision for me.
Point of correction; I never shunned (Sunday) Oliseh. I had my plans before he became Nigeria’s coach and when he told me his plans, I quickly told him that I was also planning to quit soon. I wanted to quit earlier but had to show some respect by honouring his invitations. Frankly, the motivation is not there again and I see no reason why I should still hang around.
Instagram announcement
Is it a wrong impression that I announced my retirement through Instagram? What’s the big deal? Is that not my official page? Sincerely, I don’t want to speak on those things; I still want to reserve my words. As I said earlier, I am not afraid of competition in an ideal set up.
Football should be organised well because it is fun to every family in Nigeria and that is what brings all tribes together. Why can’t we handle it well? I wanted to avoid another misunderstanding with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and that’s why I decided to go quietly. The Nigerian fans are amazing and emotional; you have to give it to them. Yes, most fans in the world are impatient just because of their emotions.
So the moment I realised some of the fans were not happy, I decided to issue an apology letter based on the fact that I appreciated the moments we shared together which means a lot to me and my career, so I remain loyal to them.
However, there are differences between real fans and hypocrites; real fans want you to get better, so they do everything to motivate you till you get better but the hypocrites do not like good things.
Charity work
It’s a simple formula; the hand that gives receives blessing, so try it!
