Nigeria’s Emmanuel Emenike agrees Al Ain loan move as Asamoah Gyan replacement

Nigeria international Emmanuel Emenike has said he will “light up” the Arabian Gulf League after reportedly confirming a one-year loan deal with Al Ain as Asamoah Gyan’s replacement.

Emmanuel Emenike, left, in action for Nigeria at the 2014 Fifa World Cup. Edgard Garrido / Reuters
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Nigeria international Emmanuel Emenike has said he will “light up” the Arabian Gulf League after reportedly confirming a one-year loan deal with Al Ain as Asamoah Gyan’s replacement.

The Fenerbahce striker, 28, had been heavily linked with the UAE champions in the wake of Gyan’s departure on Tuesday.

Speaking to AfricanFootball.com, Emenike said: "I am happy to make the move to Al Ain and I believe my legs will prove me right in UAE.

“I am looking forward to a new challenge in UAE, as well as to get more playing time under my belt and score many goals. For every striker, it is important to score goals and I am already looking forward to that challenge.

“I believe it is the best decision for me, to face a new challenge and as well as to prove I can score goals anywhere I find myself. I have not lost anything in my scoring ways. Nothing has changed in me, my scoring ability is very much intact and with time I will be able to light up the UAE with goals.”

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Emenike was enjoying a second spell at Fenerbahce having initially transferred to the Turkish side in 2011. However, a match-fixing scandal, for which he was later cleared, prompted the Istanbul club to sell him to Spartak Moscow less than two months later.

Emenike returned in 2013, where he has since helped Fenerbahce to the 2013/14 Super Lig title and the 2014 Turkish Cup crown.

“Being a Fenerbahce player is something I will cherish for the rest of my career,” he said. “Now, I have to move because I need a new challenge in my career and leaving now is the best decision taken.

“I am using this moment to express my gratitude to the club Fenerbahce and everybody who believes in me in one way or the other. Fenerbahce is a great club and I wish them all the best in the new season.”​

According to the report, Emenike will arrive in Al Ain on Thursday to complete the transfer. He will take the one remaining foreign spot in the Garden City club’s squad, after Gyan departed to join China’s Shanghai SIPG in an estimated €20 million (Dh81m) move. Al Ain were unavailable for comment.

Emenike made his Nigeria debut in 2011. He found the net four times in the 2013 African Cup of Nations to finish joint-top scorer for the tournament and help his national team secure the title for a third time. Emenike started all four of Nigeria’s matches at last summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

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