Emmanuel Emenike has insisted that new Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, handed him a recall because he still has something to offer.
The striker, who is currently on loan at Qatari side Al Ain, was Nigeria’s top scorer at the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa two years ago.
Emenike fell out with then coach Stephen Keshi and was snubbed for national team engagements – his last game was against Sudan in October 2014. But Oliseh has welcomed the powerful frontman back into the fold and he has hit out at critics who said he was done.
“Is anybody criticising me? Well, I don’t have answers for critics, but I have answers for Tanzania and coach Oliseh,” Emenike told AfricanFootball.com.
“I am very familiar with the situations in Nigeria. As a footballer, there is no number of critics who will make me to lose focus. In life, we have different kinds of people, so also in football.
“The coach (Oliseh) knows I am not a finished striker, he knows my worth and that’s why he’s giving me a chance.”
He continued: “Let me put this straight – Super Eagles is not the property of an individual, but for every Nigerian footballer. I have never been desperate over it, but I always play for my country with humility and respect.
“Nigeria is bigger than me or any other player. I was never disappointed being out of the team, it’s great to be here in camp and give the coach a deserved honour.” .
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