The Guardian Nigeria: Spartak Moscow May Not Release Emenike For Mandela Challenge

Russian Premier League club Spartak Moscow are adamant on releasing Emmanuel Emenike for the upcoming friendly between the Super Eagles and the South Africa National Team.

26 - year - old Emenike, top scorer at February's African Cup of Nations , is on the wish list of clubs in Turkey and England this summer.

And with the transfer market set to shut down at the end of the month, the Spartak Moscow brass wants the Super Eagle to remain in Russia and decide his future destination.

An official of the Nigeria Federation was quoted as saying by the electronic edition of The Guardian : '' Apparently, the Russian club fear that Emenike’s manager would get the opportunity to convince the player to consider the recent offers on the table hence they are reluctant to allow him out of their sight.

'' You know that Fenerbahce and Liverpool have enquired of his availability and Spartak Moscow do not want to lose their prized jewel, so they have resorted to monitoring him closely.

'' We may be forced to take the case to FIFA because we are not requesting for Emenike’s release outside the FIFA window.

'' Most European teams would be engaged in World Cup qualifiers so they have no reason to hold onto the striker.''

The friendly against South Africa on August 14 is in honor of one of Africa's iconic statesmen Nelson Mandela, who turned 95 years last month.

Photo Credit : spartak.com