Nigeria coach insists not losing dressing room despite high-profile premature retirements

Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh says he has a very good relationship with all the senior players in the Super Eagles but insists he will not give preferential treatment to any of his stars in the wake of two high-profile premature retirements in the squad.

UAE-based striker Emmanuel Emenike is the second player to announce his retirement from Nigeria's senior squad this month, following Lille goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama - Nigeria's most-capped player - who quit after a much publicised row with coach Sunday Oliseh.

The Al Ain striker quit the Super Eagles on Tuesday citing his uneasiness over the current environment surrounding the national team.

Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has walked out of the squad to face DR Congo in a friendly on Thursday and retired from international duty.

The 33-year-old's decision came after coach Sunday Oliseh replaced him as captain with Ahmed Musa - only hours before the match in Verviers, Belgium.

Oliseh, who is not officially aware of the decision of Emenike's to quit, says despite the decisions of two top players in the squad to retire from the national team, he has a good relationship with the key players.

"My rapport with the senior players has been good. What we've had is that we've been very clear, we are treating everybody equally, that is how I work," Oliseh said.

"I don't believe in giving priority to particular players over others, and it has been going on very well, team spirit is very high.

"I just came back from the Belgium tour which was a huge success for us as regards how we want to play. For the home Eagles also, the spirit is very high. So it is very good.

Oliseh was reportedly considering leaving out Emenike for next month's World Cup qualifier against Swaziland because he has not scored at international level for two years.

The former Spartak Moscow player, at Al Ain on loan from Turkish side Fenerbahce, has, however, featured in the first four matches since Oliseh took over from Steven Keshi.

Emenike made his international debut in a friendly against Sierra Leone in Lagos in February 2011 and was top scorer at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, helping Nigeria lift the trophy.

He made 37 appearance for the Super Eagles and score nine goals.