Super Eagles 2013 Nations Cup hero, Emmanuel Emenike, has stated his desire to meet one-on-one with African Peace Legend, Nelson Mandela in South Africa when the Nigerian team go there in August to honour him in a Cup Challenge game against the Bafana Bafana.
Emenike who just returned from injury lay-off that sidelined him for months, said he has been an admirer of Mandela for years.
The Nigeria striker was top scorer at the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa and he thought he would get the chance to personally meet the South African icon, but it was not to be.
Spartak Moscow forward said he is a long-time admirer of Mandela, who fought to liberate his country.
“I thought Nelson Mandela was going to witness the AFCON medal and trophy presentation, so that I will meet him one-on-one and get a handshake from him, that what was I missed the most at the last tournament,” Emenike revealed.
“I am still looking forward to have that handshake with the great man.”
“He is a leader you will always remember for his goodwill, he’s a man of the people and the most loving former president by his people and Africa as a whole.
“I grew up listening to what he had gone through, I have read what he has done as a leader and it’s great to be in South Africa and witnessed lots of good thing in the name of the man. He’s a fighter loved by his people and everybody, that is an example to follow.”
“And this is the same country I started my career as a professional footballer.
“I love South Africans, they helped me a lot in terms of my football development to get a breakthrough to Europe and that has really propelled me.”
The handshake Emenike craves for may well come next month after the Spartak Moscow striker was included in the Nigeria squad for the Nelson Mandela Challenge in Durban on August 14.
The big striker will again salute his fans for their support while he was out injured.
“I always get emotional when I see fans wishing me quick recovery during my injury. I don’t know them but they know me, they cheer me, they used their money to go out and watch Emmanuel Emenike during the AFCON tournament,” he said.
Emenike expressed his gratitude to his fans and well-wishers both home and abroad and promised to repay with basket of goals.
