Nigeria's Emenike says Cup best is yet to come

DURBAN, South Africa (AFP) –

Emmanuel Emenike celebrates after scoring for Nigeria against Ivory Coast in Rustenburg on Sunday. Emenike has scored three goals at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, but maintains he is still far from his best.

Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike has scored three goals at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, but maintains he is still far from his best.

“My best is yet to be seen. This is just the beginning,” he said.

“Some years ago, I never thought I would be wearing this jersey, but today I am happy with what I am doing in the national team.

“I am proud of my achievements so far, my family is proud and all my fans at home and abroad are very proud of me.

“But I would like to say again and again that my best is yet to be seen. I have a lot to give Nigeria. I want to break records.”

He added: “I will always do my best to get the goals whenever I am in a position to do so.

“My goals are possible because I get assists from my teammates. I appreciate everybody’s efforts to make it happen. Together, we will make Nigerians happy.”

The big Spartak Moscow striker has been tipped by Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi as a successor to the country’s most profilic scorer, the late Rashidi Yekini.

Yekini scored 37 goals in a 15-year international career, while Emenike is on four goals since making his debut against Sierra Leone in Lagos two years ago.

Former Nigeria coach Samson Siasia, who first capped Emenike, said the powerful striker is bound for greatness.

“I know his qualities as a striker and that was why I went ahead to cap him. I am very happy with his performances at the Nations Cup,” remarked Siasia.

“I love his commitment. He is using his strength and speed well, he is a complete striker, getting the goals and creating chances for others to score.

“He has all it takes to be among the best strikers in the world — he will certanly go places.”

Emenike, 25, has proved to be a lethal force at his various clubs from FC Cape Town in South Africa to Karakbukspor in Turkey.

He has a strong physical presence and his all-action style has troubled opposing defences, including those at the Nations Cup in South Africa.

His target at his first Africa Cup is to take Nigeria to their third title, and first since since defeating Zambia in 1994 in Tunisia.

“We cannot wait to make Nigeria proud, but we are not getting carried away by this victory (over Ivory Coast),” he declared.

“The only way to answer the critics is to keep winning. We are here to make Nigeria proud. We are here to lift the trophy.”