Super Eagles 2013 Nations Cup hero, Emmanuel Emenike, is fast following the footsteps of great African soccer stars who committed so much money to their national teams as a way of motivating them to achieve greatness on the continent.
One of the prominent stars who took it upon himself to help his country’s national team rise above board by personally committing funds that were used to execute international matches and even pay the team’s coaches was Liberia George Opong Weah who spent millions of dollars to ensure the Lone Star compete in various international competitions.
Emenike on Friday made history as the first Super Eagles to commit as much as $50,000 to the team if they qualify for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.
Nigeria lead a qualifying group for Brazil 2014 that includes Malawi, Kenya and Namibia with five points from three matches.
Emenike, who is out of next month’s World Cup qualifiers in Kenya and Namibia due to recent injury to his knee, said he has been a Super Eagles fan long before he debuted for Nigeria in 2011 against Sierra Leone in Lagos.
“I promise the whole team $50,000 if they qualify for the World Cup in Brazil,” Emenike said.
“Like I said before that we have team who can make this country proud, and I am doing this from the bottom of my heart just to motivate the team. I am not doing this to intimidate anybody but just to show my total support to the team because I grew up supporting the Super Eagles.”
He added: “I am really behind the team. I don’t want them to miss me because there are other players who can get them the goals.
“Before I decided to play for Nigeria, even before I dreamt of becoming a professional footballer, which I am today by God’s grace, I have been a passionate fan of the Super Eagles.
“I never knew I will play for Nigeria. This is a reward for what I have done in Europe and it is time I supported my country even more.”
The big striker is following the path set by the likes of his friend Samuel Eto’o, George Weah and Mohammed Kallon, who have personally financed their various national teams.
