Nigeria Striker Emenike Disputes Keshi’s Claims Over AFCON Omission
Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike has publicly denied suggestions that he was left out of the national squad for disciplinary reasons during the Super Eagles’ 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Congo.
The forward, who plays a key role in Nigeria’s attack, was a surprise omission from the matchday squad in what turned out to be a disappointing 3-2 home defeat in Calabar. In the aftermath, head coach Stephen Keshi hinted that Emenike’s exclusion was due to disciplinary issues within the camp.
But Emenike has strongly rejected that claim, expressing both surprise and disappointment at the coach’s handling of the matter.
“There are things you don’t expect from your coach,” Emenike said in a statement. “If there’s an issue, you expect the coach to speak with you directly — not through the media.”
The 27-year-old striker insisted there was no misconduct on his part and described Keshi’s suggestion as both hurtful and unfounded.
“It’s something he himself taught us — to respect one another and keep matters within the team,” Emenike added. “I am honoured to play for Nigeria and I respect the coach like a father. I always give my best because we are a family every time we come together.”
He went on to refute any allegations of causing unrest among teammates. “If he says I’m creating problems or making my teammates uncomfortable, that’s both sad and unacceptable.”
The incident comes at a tense moment for Nigeria’s qualifying campaign. After drawing away to South Africa and suffering a shock loss to Congo, the Super Eagles have just one point from two matches. With two upcoming fixtures against Sudan in Matchdays 3 and 4, Keshi’s team faces mounting pressure to produce results or risk missing out on a place at the 2015 tournament in Morocco.
Keshi, who guided Nigeria to the AFCON title in 2013, has come under scrutiny in recent months over team selection and internal dynamics. The controversy surrounding Emenike’s omission only adds to the uncertainty surrounding Nigeria’s campaign.
The Super Eagles are expected to regroup ahead of their must-win double header against Sudan, with hopes of reigniting their push for qualification.
