Super Eagles striker Emmanuel Emenike has received a massive backing from his club manager, Ismael Kartal, who has voiced his displeasure at the apparent criticisms on the Nigerian from Fernerbahce fans.
Kartal made his feelings known after Fernerbahce’s victory over Besiktas on Sunday at the 53,586-capacity Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
“Emenike is a great guy but he is emotional, he wants to score more than anyone but he needs the support of the fans,” Kartal told Lig TV after the Istanbul derby.
“The fans need to start backing him, he needs their support.”
Besiktas moved up seven places in the Turkish Super Lig following their impressive run in the Europa League where they eliminated Liverpool, the English top guns credited last summer with an interest for Emenike.
Emenike who was not invited for Nigeria’s friendlies against Uganda and South Africa, missed a great chance early in the first half to put Fenerbahçe ahead and was heckled by the the home supporters afterwards.
The Nigerian international reacted by taking off his shirt and abandoned the game.
Fenerbahçe manager Ismail Kartal and his technical staff had to stop Emenike from walking down the tunnel.
Kartal eventually managed to convince Emenike to put his shirt back on and return to the game.
The 2013 AFCON winner only has four goals in the league this season and was replaced by Webo at half time.
The Yellow Canaries ended up winning the derby 1-0 and closing the gap with leaders Galatasaray to just tho points.
Fenerbahçe are currently third in the Süper Lig, one point behind second placed Beşiktaş.
Source: Complete Sports
