Nigeria international Emmanuel Emenike has thanked Fenerbahce coach Ä°smail Kartal for standing by him during his barren spell in front of goal.

Despite failing to score in five straight games before Sunday’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.

“Before the derby, I was well prepared for this encounter. He understands my state, Ä°smail Kartal is like my father.

“It was an emotional event and challenging. He grabbed my hand and helped me stand up,” Emmanuel Emenike was quoted as saying by Fanatik .

The 27 - year - old has averaged a goal every other game since he switched to Europe from FC Cape Town in 2009.

Photo Credit : fenerbahce.org