Kingsley Kanayo
Victor Moses expects fellow Nigerian Super Eagle Emmanuel Emenike to soar after joining the winger at West Ham United.
The pair, who won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and appeared together at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals, have been reunited after striker Emenike linked up with the Hammers on loan from Turkish side Fenerbahce.
Moses, who is himself enjoying a season-long stint in E13 on loan from Chelsea, revealed that he played a part in convincing his fellow countryman to move to London.
“I’ve probably played about 20 games with him in the same Nigeria team,” Moses began. “Since I’ve been playing for Nigeria he’s been there and we were together in the team who won the African Nations Cup, where he was top scorer in the tournament.
“I’m really looking forward to him coming to the Club and I am going to make sure he feels at home.
“He called me up and told me the club were interested in him. I told him ‘You should come and play in the Premier League, West Ham are a family club, everyone here is friendly, we have a good manager here and the people are lovely. I said to him ‘Come and express yourself and you will do well’.”
Emenike has the attributes to do well in a Claret and Blue shirt, having already shown his strength, pace and finishing ability in international football, the UEFA Champions League and the top divisions in both Turkey and Russia.
Moses expects his compatriot to hit the ground running after swapping Istanbul and the Super Lig for London and the Barclays Premier League.
“His strengths? He’s quick and strong at the same time,” said the No20. “With the Super Eagles we call him ‘The Big Man’. Once he has the ball he has the strength to go through players and he makes sure he wins his battles.
“I firmly believe he will be good in the Premier League and for West Ham as well. Having a player such as him up front gives you that strength.
“He’s always played up front for the Super Eagles and hopefully he will come here and show everyone what he can do.”
Emenike will not be available for Tuesday’s visit of Aston Villa to the Boleyn Ground, as he awaits international clearance, but Moses is hopeful the Hammers can pick up another important home victory for their new teammate.
“This won’t be an easy game because they are fighting against relegation,” said Moses. “At the same time we need to go out, keep our concentration and make sure we get those three points.”
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