Vincent Enyeama, the former number one goalkeeper and captain of the Super Eagles, has disclosed that he lost interest in following the national team after his forced retirement in 2015.
Enyeama, renowned as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers, began his illustrious career with Ibom Stars and made his Super Eagles debut at the 2002 World Cup in Japan. He captained the team on numerous occasions, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 and achieving bronze in the 2004, 2006, and 2010 tournaments.
Following his departure from the national team with 101 caps, the Super Eagles faced goalkeeper challenges. Although fans suggested he become a goalkeeper coach to mentor another top-tier shot stopper, Enyeama revealed that his strained relationship with coach Sunday Oliseh led him to distance himself from the team.
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In an interview with Ufuoma Osusu, Hotsports executive producer, Enyeama stated, “Sincerely, I’ve not been following Nigerian football right from the day I left, and with due respect, I was really treated like shh… I mean I was treated like a piece of used material; so I decided to put a block between me and the national team, and that went on for a long time. It’s now that I’m beginning to follow the goings-on from a distance.”
He expressed his satisfaction with his achievements in the sport, highlighting moments such as winning AFCON 2013 and securing victories with Enyimba in the CAF Champions League in 2003 and 2004 as among the most memorable in his career.