7th May, 2013
Injured Emmanuel Emenike says he has been lifted by the visits of Africa superstar, Samuel Eto’o and compatriot Joel Obi.
Africa Cup of Nations goal king, Emenike, who underwent an operation on his knee in Italy, will be sidelined for several weeks just after he has recovered from a long-term hamstring injury.
“Eto’o is my very good friend, we relate well on and off the pitch and he is one of the stars I look up to while aiming to be at the top of the world. He came to visit me in my house in Russia, when I got injured against his team Anzhi,” Emenike told MTNFootball.com.
“He spent a lot of time with me, telling me how I can get over the injury with the good games I have played in the past. I call him ‘Baba Eto’o’ because he is a player I respect a lot. He wished me quick recovery. This really lifted my soul.”
Emenike also informed that fellow Eagles star Joel Obi, who is also sidelined by injury, was on hand to receive him in Italy, where he went for the surgery, and was with him at the hospital as well as his hotel.
“Joel Obi is a brother, he was on hand to receive me when I arrived in Italy. For my surgery, he was with me at the hospital and came to my hotel with his friend Benny to show me some love and wish me quick recovery,” he said.
“It means a lot to me when you see people caring about you and your career. I am so happy because such things will also motivate you to do more for your country and also shows how people love you and what you are doing.
“I really missed Joel at the Nations Cup because of his injury, but I believe he will be back the national team soon because he’s a strong and technically gifted player. You can count on his strength anytime.”