The Nigeria Football Federation NFF, is making arguably the most important move towards ending the goalkeeping crisis facing the Super Eagles by engaging ex goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama npflupdates.com reports.
Vincent Enyeama is a former Super Eagles goalkeeper who helped Nigeria win its third African Cup Of Nations (AFCON).
Also read: Drogba Identify Super Eagles As Favourites To Win 2023 AFCON In Côte d’Ivoire
According to a report by Owngoal Nigeria, the NFF is seriously considering a move to bring back the former CAF Champions League winner to join the Super Eagles ahead of the 2023 AFCON tournament.
It’s no longer news that Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho is not living up to expectations, committing a lot of Goalkeeping blunders whenever he’s in goal for Nigeria.
Meanwhile, coach Jose Peseiro has publicly acknowledged his player’s (Goalkeepers) discomfort whenever they’re in goal.
“When I arrived here, I remember I was told to change the goalkeeper. I spoke with all of them, No one feels comfortable because everybody attacked them,” Peseiro said after Saudi Arabia international friendly few weeks ago.
According to Owngoal, the NFF is already in talks with the former Maccabi Tel Aviv shot-stopper. The Football governing body, wants the former Enyimba FC player, to join the national team squad as a goalkeeper coach, stressing that he’s experienced, and a role model to some of the Super Eagles current goalies.
NFF moves to integrate ex Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama into the national team
“For eight straight years, Enyeama was the first choice goalkeeper of the Super Eagles, and faced a lot of criticism even up to his last game. His experience will be needed at the AFCON to help the current goalkeepers deal with the pressure that comes with such task,” a NFF board member said.
Also read: Enyeama : I’m Ready To Coach Nigeria
“In the past, the idea has been mooted, but we now want to bring it to light. His experience is badly needed as he is a role model to lot of these goalkeepers during their formative years. Hopefully, talks will end well because his experience is part of what we need at the AFCON.”
In a related story, former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peterside Idah has joined the call for the introduction of Vincent Enyeama into the national team.
According to the former Moroka Swallows of South Africa goalkeeper, Enyeama should be introduced as a goalkeeper coach to help the team.
“If we bring in Enyeama as the goalkeeper coach, his wealth of experience as a former AFCON winner and two times World Cup goalkeeper for Nigeria will significantly help to improve the goalies in camp,” Peterside Idah said on longest serving independent sport program Sportsville and quoted by SunnewsOnline Nigeria.
“ The current eagles goalkeepers crave leather, somebody they can look up to and truly learn from and I believe a Vincent Enyeama will provide that before and during the AFCON tournament.”
Also read: Abbey – Super Eagles Cannot Win The 2023 AFCON Even With Enyeama In Goal
Speaking further, “ We can’t have several goalkeepers who have kept for Nigeria in the past and have someone whose name I don’t know as the national team goalkeeper coach in 2023, this is totally unacceptable”.
“ In as much as Vincent Enyeama remains my preferred choice as the goalies coach, I think Peter Rufai will also do a great job in that capacity if given the opportunity”.
