Nigerian international adds pace to West Ham says Slaven Bilic

Emmanuel Emenike
BLACKBURN, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Emmanuel Emenike of West Ham United takes a shot on goal during The Emirates FA Cup fifth round match between Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United at Ewood park on February 21, 2016 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

On-loan West Ham striker Emmanuel Emenike scored a brace on his first official start for the club in the FA Cup 5th Round 5-1 victory over Blackburn yesterday.

Hammers boss Slaven Bilic revealed that after the game that Emenike adds pace to his side and praised the Nigerian international’s performance – as well as the rest of the team.

Bilic told the official West Ham website: “I know Dimitri Payet and Emenike will get all the headlines but it is basically the team (that should get praise) like it always is.

“They are fantastic players. We have pace with Emenike, Moses, Antonio and we have Payet and Lanzini. You just need to run into space and you know they are going to give you the ball. We have stability.”

Eminence now has two goals in three appearances for the Hammers in all competitions this season.

Bilic is no stranger to Emenike having coached Lokomotiv Moscow during the striker’s stint at Spartak Moscow.

The Croatian manager also coached Besiktas while Emenike played for Istanbul rivals Fenerbahce.

Emenike and Bilic had always been at rival clubs until uniting at the east London based club last month. Eminence joined on a six-month loan from Fenerbahce and the Hammers have a release clause option that will remain active until theend of the season.

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