Vincent Enyeama: Return to Super Eagles is Possible, Gives Conditions

Vincent Enyeama, former Super Eagles’ goalkeeper says a return to the men’s national football team is possible if the “conditions are right.”

 

The former Nigeria goalkeeper, who retired from international football in October 2015, has not been involved in competitive action since April 2017.

 

However, speaking Wednesday on a local radio station, XL FM 106.9, the Akwa Ibom icon said he is available for negotiations with the “authorities”.

 

“I’m always open,” said the 36-year-old. “I can’t run away from my country. Nigeria is my country. Nigeria is my fatherland.

 

“I am ready to return; only when the conditions are right,” the Ika-born football star said.

 

Enyeama, who is on trial at French Ligue 1 side Dijon, also disclosed that he is working on a book that will address all the grey areas as regards his retirement.

 

“I will speak with [Amaju] Pinnick at the right time but its not him [that is the problem]. In fact, it’s a long story,” he said

 

He further stated that his abrupt decision to retire was a good one as more doors have been flung open for fresh players.

 

“I don’t wanna be the person delaying or frustrating the young ones from progressing. I don’t wanna stand in the way!” he declared.

 

Although goalkeepers usually have a long lifespan in football but the Nigerian superstar said age also played a role in his decision to retire.

 

“It’s not always about playing, it’s also about age. One day Vincent will stop [playing],” he asserted.

Enyeama further disclosed that he is considering a move into coaching, adding that plans are underway to put up a football academy in the state to groom local talents.

 

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner also thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for his contributions towards sports development in the state as well as the honour accorded the footballer when the shot-stopper lost his mother in 2015.

 

Enyeama, who has played at three World Cups, stressed on the importance of grassroot development and revealed that plans are ongoing to develop football talents in the state.

 

“I have noticed that we don’t have lots of our boys outside [the country]. I am trying to see how we can organise another competition. I have spoken with a lot of agents to that effect – French and Israeli agents,” he said.

 

Commending the 2013-14 French Ligue 1 African Player of the Year, the 2019 gubernatorial candidate of the Young Democratic Party, Arc. Ezekiel Nya-Etuk, who also featured on the programme, revealed that Enyeama is set to launch a spanking new event centre in Uyo, the state capital.

 

Corroborating Nya-Etuk’s statement, Enyeama added that he is keen on contributing locally and frowned at the idea of taking development to the cities arguing that such moves stunt development in communities.