Lifting a continental trophy with Nigeria is the high point of his adventurous career, says former Fenerbahce star Emmanuel Emenike.
2013 African Cup of Nations-winning striker Emenike has charged current members of the Super Eagles to focus on helping the team become continental champions once again.
The former West Ham forward maintains that the impact of such an achievement would be felt long after the players quit playing football.
The Lig 1 title, the second level of the Turkish football league system, was the only honour Emenike had claimed before late coach Stephen Keshi invited him to join the squad heading for the AFCON Championships in South Africa ten years ago.
But the former Karabükspor star smashed in four goals as the Super Eagles romped to their third continental glory.
Emenike has since starred for the likes of Spartak Moscow, Olympiacos, and Fenerbahçe, winning the 2014 Super Lig title with the Turkish giants.
But the 32-year-old has been without a club since departing Westerlo last year, affording him time to reflect on his career highlight while sending words of advice to his compatriots.
“Winning Afcon was a great feeling at that moment, but I didn’t know how big it was until I stopped playing for the national team and see the way people appreciate me when I go out there,” Emenike told Brila.
“So I’ll advise every young player to put their minds in winning something for Nigeria. It is a big deal, but you won’t understand until you stop playing for Nigeria.”
