Nigerian striker Emmanuel Emenike, who missed the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations final against Burkina Faso due to injury, told the Siya crew that his spell in South Africa with Mpumalanga Black Aces and FC Cape Town influenced his game.
Emenike played an influential part in the Super Eagles’ Afcon winning campaign, despite missing out on the 1-0 win in the final at the National Stadium on February 10. He scored four goals for the team, leading up to Sunday’s final.
The 25-year-old now plays for Spartak Moscow in the Russian Premier League, however believes that his time in South Africa played a key part in the development of his game.
“I learnt a lot from South Africa. This is where I first played professional football. As a player you have to be thankful of all your backgrounds and the people you played with. Maybe I couldn't be where I am now if I didn't come to South Africa.
“As for winning the Afcon trophy, it has been great. We have waited for so long and finally we did it. I wish I could have played in the final but injuries happen in football and it's part of the game," Emenike concluded.
