Belgian Club Terminates Nigerian Striker Emenike’s Contract

Belgian side KVC Westerlo have cancelled the contract of Nigerian striker Emmanuel Emenike after just two months.

The 32-year-old was signed on a free transfer in September this year but failed to settle in Belgium and could not replicate the good goal-scoring form he had two years ago while with Greek side Olympiacos.

Emenike is believed to have been suggested by the club’s assistant coach Bob Peeters but injuries looked to have conspired against him.

“Emmanuel Emenike and KVC Westerlo have made a decision, after discussion, to end their co-operation,” said the club statement.

“Despite the many guarantees to improve, it was not possible to bring the player up to a level that both parties had envisaged,” it adds.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] “It was decided then to end the relationship on a good note. KVC Westerlo thanks Emmanuel for choosing our club and the confidence in the club and the player thanks the club for the opportunity it offered him.”   [/perfectpullquote]

Emenike started his professional career in South Africa, playing for Mpumalanga Black Aces and FC Cape Town before moving to Turkey to join Karabukspor in 2009, where he shone, scoring 30 goals in 51 games.

The former Super Eagles marksman was later snapped up by Turkish giants Fenerbahce and was immediately sold to Russian side Spartak Moscow in 2011 before re-joining the Yellow Canaries two years later.

Emenike went on to spend four years with Fenerbahce, including loan spells at Al Ain and Premier League side West Ham United.

The attacker who had 37 caps for the Super Eagles, played a key role in Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations title-winning feat.

At Westerlo, the forward made five league appearances for the second division club and failed to find the back of the net.