There is an insatiable urge to comment on the exploits of the Golden Eaglets in the just concluded under 17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), at least if not for any other thing, but as a patriotic citizen and having watched these young lads put up such scintillating displays before the world. It is apt that one doffs his hat for them and the coaching crew. These set of rookies have been simply sensational, rugged and dogged hence their feat, I will elaborate and extensively analyze in greater details next week.
Today, I will focus on the mesmerizing run of Super Eagles goal tender, Vincent Enyeama. His form in the ongoing 2013/2014 season for French Liguel side, Lille has put him in the spotlight. It is worthy of note that this Akwa Ibom born goalie has amassed an unprecedented clean sheets in his side’s ten matches so far. He showed skill, composure and amazing agility when Lille faced moneybags FC Monaco the last time out.
He was at his best and his distinctiveness denied the likes of Radamel Falcoa and a host of others from scoring. His form has attracted plaudits from renowned managers like the outspoken returnee Chelsea boss, Jose Maurinho and Arsenal’s tactician, Arsene Wenger. If our very own could get platitudes from the afore-named managers, it only indicates the rich vein of form that has so far characterized his season.
At the post-match interview following his masterclass showing over Monaco, Enyeama was as unassuming as ever. Hear him: “we give the glory to God. What I’m passing through is not of my own making. I didn’t go out to get it. I have a great team in front of me and they are doing a fantastic job, and that makes my own job easier. For me, it is not about Enyeama. I just wish to be able to help my team succeed. That has always been my dream and God is helping me to achieve that dream”.
Their victory over FC Monaco moved Lille up to second in the standings behind PSG. Lille’s manager spared no praise for Vincent Enyeama’s devastating start to the season by saying that “the Nigerian goalkeeper has brought stability to the side, and has brought his commanding presence to bear in the team both in the field of play and the dressing room.
Vincent Enyeama who was born on August 31st 1982 has laced his boot for a number of clubs in a career that has brought fame to this 189cm tall goalie.
He started off his career with his home team, Ibom Stars (now Akwa United), from 1999-2000. He moved to Enyimba of Aba in 2001 and was there up until 2004 during which he helped the People’s Elephants win the CAF Champions league twice, with one, worthy of note. He was always substituted for Dele Aiyenugba before penalty shootouts, “I don’t know why I was substituted before penalties, but it worked”, he said in an interview in 2006. “In Israel, I stopped many penalties and now everyone knows that I can handle penalties”.
After three successful seasons with Enyimba, and one with Heartland, Enyeama moved to a modest club in Israel, Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv. He had a fantastic first season, showing amazing physical and athletic skills. In his first season with Bnei Yehuda, the team qualified for the final of the Israel state cup and achieved with place finish in the Israeli premier league, which qualified the team for the 2006 UEFA cup.
In 2007, he signed for Hapoel Tel Aviv. His performances helped the team avoid relegation and reach the state cup final. On 18th August, 2010 (his birth month), he scored from the spot against Red Bull Salzburg in the champions league qualifiers.
In June 2011 he moved to French side Lille for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract. His debut came on 18th October, 2011 against Inter Milan in the 2012 UEFA champions’ league group stage where inter won by a lone goal. After failing to tie down a regular spot in the starting lineup, Enyeama agreed a one-year loan deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv and was presented to the media by Maccabi’s Sports Director, Jordi Crayff on 8th August 2012. He had a near perfect season and notched up 27 appearances as Maccabi Tel Aviv roared to the Israeli Premier League championship title. At the completion of his season long loan to Maccabi Tel Aviv, he returned to parent club Lille and walked straight into the team’s XI and has thus far manned the stick for the French side with finesse, command and unmistakable dexterity.
In the national team, he has been the Super Eagles first choice since 2002, where he made his debut in a goalless stalemate against England in a world cup match. Since replacing the retired Ike Shorumu, Enyeama has become Nigeria’s undisputed number one for the past eleven years and still counting.
He has played in six cup of nations including 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 and recently 2013 where Nigeria won her third African Cup after winning the coveted crown in 1980 and 1994. At the 2008 Nations Cup, Enyeama lost his place to Austin Ejide, yet he was unperturbed and his determination saw him reclaim his place in no time.
He was majestic in goal against Argentina at the 2010 FIFA World Cup match. He made six crucial saves and denied reigning world player of the year, Lionel Messi from scoring in four good attempts.
He is currently the team’s stand-in captain following Joseph Yobo’s axe by Stephen Keshi. As the season progresses, we can only pray and wish him the very best and continued presence in the Lille’s team. We urge him not to rest on his laurels as he bids to become a top-notch goalie in the world.
Kudos to our very own.
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