Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike is in a race against time to be fit for the Fifa Confederations Cup in June after he damaged his knee ligaments against Anzhi Makhachkala in the 26th round of matches in the Russian Premier League.

The 25 - year - old had been on the sidelines for more than two months due to a thigh injury he picked up at February's African Cup of Nations held in South Africa.

He was introduced in the 54th minute by manager Dmitry Gunko in Sunday's tie against Anzhi but had to leave the pitch on a stretcher afterwards.

At the moment, tests are yet to be conducted to ascertain the Super Eagle's extended spell on the sidelines.

However, the player is likely to be out of action for up to three months.

The news will come as a big blow to manager Stephen Keshi who has named Emmanuel Emenike, top scorer at the Afcon with 4 goals, in his provisional squad for one of the showpiece events in the Fifa football calender, the Confederations Cup.

Emmanuel Emenike has played 16 matches (5 goals) in the Russian championship.

Photo Credit: spartak.com