Nigeria international Emmanuel Emenike has thanked Fenerbahce coach Ä°smail Kartal for standing by him during his barren spell in front of goal. <br /><br />Despite failing to score in five straight games before Sunday&rsquo;s encounter with Besiktas, the manager still kept faith with the 2013 African Cup of Nations goalscorer, handing him his fifth start of the season at Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan Stadyumu.<br /><br />&ldquo;Before the derby, I was well prepared for this encounter. He understands my state, Ä°smail Kartal is like my father.<br /><br />&ldquo;It was an emotional event and challenging. He grabbed my hand and helped me stand up,&rdquo; Emmanuel Emenike was quoted as saying by <i>Fanatik</i> .<br /><br />The 27 - year - old has averaged a goal every other game since he switched to Europe from FC Cape Town in 2009.<br /><br />Photo Credit : fenerbahce.org<br />