By Godwill Odilu
Vincent Enyeama, former Super Eagles of Nigeria goalkeeper, has addressed speculations about joining the team’s technical crew for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
Contrary to assumptions, Enyeama clarified that his presence is personal, and not for training Nigeria goalkeepers.
In a recent Instagram post, Enyeama hinted at joining the team, stating, “Let’s go, see you in camp. Time for business.” However, he emphasized, “I haven’t been given any appointment by the NFF,” clarifying that it was a personal comment to visit during AFCON.
The Eagles’ camp, which opened in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, sparked rumors of Enyeama’s coaching involvement. NFF Director of Media and Communications, Ademola Olajire, refuted this, stating, “NFF has not offered Enyeama any role.”
Enyeama, who distanced himself from the Eagles since his 2015 retirement, highlighted past grievances with the NFF’s treatment.
“Sincerely, I have not been following Nigerian football right from the day I left. With due respect, I was treated like a piece of used material, so I put up a block between me and the national team. It is now that I am beginning to follow what is going on, but I put a stop to watching football or watching the national team.”
“I was deeply hurt, but now I am really at ease. I have moved, I’ve changed chapters, I’ve changed the page. This is it; I can’t say much about the national team and the goalkeeping and all of that because I am not watching them.”
Despite the hurt, he expressed moving on and not holding grudges.
Having made 101 appearances for the national team, winning the 2013 AFCON, Enyeama remains Nigeria’s most successful goalkeeper.
The Super Eagles embark on their AFCON quest, facing Equatorial Guinea on January 14, host Ivory Coast on January 18, and Guinea Bissau on January 22 in Group A.
