Emenike recounts ‘scary moment’ after attack on team bus

Super Eagles forward, Emmanuel Emenike, has described as a “scary moment” the attack on Fenerbahce’s bus.

The Canaries were travelling back to the airport following their 5-1 win over Caykur Rizespor when the attack was carried out in the city of Rize.

The coach driver was taken to hospital after sustaining injuries in the incident. No players were injured, but the shooting left Emenike and his teammates in shock.

“The incident left several players in shock on a day we should be celebrating a big away win,” he told BBC Sport.

“I was on the phone with my brother when I heard the loud sound and I thought one of our tyres had busted because the bus was swerving on the road.

“But when I found our security officer in front of the bus I knew something must have gone awfully wrong. We quickly realised the security guy was the one who hit the brake, and he said the driver [who was already soaked in blood] had been shot.

“The word ‘shot’ came as a big shock but when we saw blood and the shattered driver’s side window, it quickly turned into a scary moment for everyone on the bus.”

The Turkish Football Federation condemned the attack and Fenerbahce general secretary Mahmut Uslu said the incident was “very wrong”.

The Nigerian couldn’t agree less.

“It’s unbelievable that some people actually fired shots at our bus and the driver was badly hit, a bus conveying footballers and officials,” he said.

“It’s strange but it’s also an indication that things happen in life and no-one can be guaranteed complete safety. I just want to wish our brave driver a speedy recovery. I will forever be grateful to him and our security man because that bus could have plunged down the bridge.

“The outcome could have been terrible and tragic but we are all here today because of them and of course God was on our side.”

The incident brought back unpalatable memories for the 27-year-old.

“I’ve been involved in a terrible accident in Nigeria before, where my mother suffered severe bruises, and for a moment I had a terrible flashback when that bus was swerving all over the road,” he said.

“I hope this incident will be investigated thoroughly and the perpetrators are made to face the justice system.”

Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said an investigation was under way.