Go Enyeama, Go Now

•Enyeama

•Enyeama

Go Enyeama, Go Now

This has been a turbulent period for Vincent Enyeama, who called it quits with Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the wake of his row with his Chief Coach Sunday Oliseh in the Belgium camp of the team ahead of their friendly matches with DR Congo and Cameroon recently. Latest report indicates that he is on his way back to the Super Eagles again following efforts to pacify him.

Trouble started when the Lille of France goalkeeper came to the Eagles’ camp to hear from Oliseh that he had been relieved of his position as captain of the senior national team. A surprised Enyeama, who had just buried his late mother the previous weekend, was told that Ahmed Musa of CSKA Moscow of Russia had been named as the new captain. Subsequently, Ogenyi Onazi of Lazio of Italy was appointed as the Vice Captain and Kenneth Omeruo as the 2nd Vice Captain, while Efe Ambrose is now the team’s spokesperson.

Enyeama received the news with shock. This resulted in an altercation that led the goalkeeper to announce on the social media that he was quitting the team he had served for thirteen years. There is no doubt that the crisis between Enyeama and Oliseh had adverse psychological effect on the team as they were beaten 2-0 by DR Congo last Thursday. It was an unnecessary and avoidable distraction.

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Giving reasons for sacking Enyeama from his post, Coach Oliseh said that it was a painful decision he had to take to salvage the fortunes of the Eagles as the goalkeeper was in the twilight of his career in the national team; with less than two years to his retirement. He also said that he needed to instill discipline in his team with the appointment of new Captain Musa.

No matter how far they go in trying to mend fences, the row has generated bad blood between Enyeama and Oliseh, and this may deepen with the impending return of Enyeama to the national team. At best, Enyeama, after his 101 caps for Nigeria, should quit when the ovation is loudest because it appears he is not in Oliseh’s plans in the rebuilding of the Super Eagles. We believe that Oliseh has made up his mind to work with players who he believes have more years to spend in the national team. It will also be difficult for the coach to reverse the appointment he had made concerning the captaincy of the team.

In view of this, it is advisable for Enyeama to accept with honour the testimonial match promised by the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, headed by Amaju Pinnick. If Enyeama thinks he still has something to offer the country, he can render the service better in another capacity as a former player than being in the team with Oliseh. Enyeama has seen it all. It is better for him to take a walk now than wait a little longer.

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