Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike unhappy with Keshi criticism

Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike unhappy with Keshi criticism

"There are certain things you'd not expect from your coach," Emenike told Chat212 - Sport, Lagos
Chat212 - Sport, Lagos

Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike believes caretaker coach Stephen Keshi broke one of his own rules when he criticised the striker in an interview in the local media.

Keshi has been quoted as saying he is unhappy with the Fenerbahce striker, who he dropped to the bench in last month's 2015 Africa Cup of Nations shock defeat to Congo in Calabar.

The coach criticised Emenike for only arriving on the eve of the game and not showing him and his teammates enough respect.

But the 2013 Nations Cup top-scorer has spoken out about his manager's comments, and believes he made a mistake.


 "There are certain things you'd not expect from your coach," Emenike told Chat212 - Sport, Lagos

"If there's any problem, as a player you only want to find out directly from him and not in the media, it's something he taught us.

"I feel honoured playing for Nigeria and I respect the coach like my own father. I give my all to the team because we are like one big family any time we all come together.

"But for him to say I am creating a problem in the team and my teammates are unhappy with me is sad and unacceptable.

"It's like sending a wrong message to the fans, but if the coach feels my invitation will not bring the needed results or peace in the team, he can leave me out."

It is not the first time both player and manager have clashed in the media, as they were involved in a public spat in March 2013.