| The National

Al Ain's Nigerian forward Emmanuel Emenike has announced his retirement from international football, calling time on a five-year career with the national team.

The striker, currently on a season-long loan at Arabian Gulf League champions Al Ain, made 37 appearances for his country, scoring nine times. However, Emenike has not registered a goal in two years, prompting heavy criticism of his continued selection.

Sunday Oliseh, the Nigerian manager, has picked Emenike in his past four squads, but has come under increasing pressure to drop the forward for next month’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Swaziland.

Yet Emenike, 28, appears to have taken the decision out of the Oliseh’s hands, by posting a message on his Instagram account on Monday confirming he was “no longer a Super Eagles player”.

“It has always being my pleasure to play and win for the team,” Emenike reportedly said. “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.”

He later told BBC Sport: “It was not an easy decision. I didn’t think my international career would come to a sudden end, but that is life.

“Sometimes it’s better to remove yourself from an environment that doesn’t suit you mentally and physically, this is what I have done.

“I also felt it was important that people hear directly from me to avoid a funny twist to the story.

“I wish to thank the coaches who gave me a chance, fellow players and in particular big thanks to all my fans for their unconditional support.”

Emenike made his Nigeria debut in February 2011 before playing an integral role in the team’s successful 2013 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, finishing joint-top scorer with four goals as his side secured the title. He last found the net for Nigeria in October of that year in the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia.

Emenike has been in fine form for Al Ain, though, after joining the club from Turkey’s Fenerbahce in July. Replacing the prolific Asamoah Gyan, he scored twice on debut in the 4-2 Super Cup victory against Al Nasr. Since then, Emenike has taken his tally to five goals in six matches for the Garden City side.

jmcauley@thenational.ae

Emmanuel Emenike has announced his retirement from international football, at only 28 years old, saying on Instagram 'I am pleased to call it off at this point in order to avoid insults'.