There’s only one Enyeama’ – Ex-Lille star speaks on Super Eagles GK problem after Uzoho’s mistake.
2013 Africa Cup of Nations-winning goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has commented on the Super Eagles goalkeeping problem in the immediate aftermath of Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
It was thought that Francis Uzoho had launched a challenge on the number one spot after his impressive performance in the first leg clash at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, only for him to make a costly error that ultimately eliminated the Super Eagles.
Eleven minutes into the contest at the MKO Abiola Stadium, a shot from Arsenal’s Ghana captain Thomas Partey squirmed under the body of Uzoho and went into the net.
Nigeria crashed out of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after a blunder by goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi and in this year’s tournament in Cameroon, Maduka Okoye made another costly blunder in the round of 16 defeat to Tunisia.
One of the important figures for the national team in his playing days, ex-Lille star Enyeama feels it would be difficult for Uzoho, Okoye and Akpeyi to step into his shoes, adding that the current goalkeepers should be encouraged.
Speaking on Channels TV on Tuesday night, Enyeama said : “It is time we face the future and keep moving. I don’t want to apportion blames.
“I listened to what George also said the other time we cannot have another Jay-Jay Okocha same that we cannot have another Vincent Enyeama, it is the truth.
“What I did for Nigeria you cannot really comprehend, it’s time that will tell.
“I’m going to say we have to do with what we have. I didn’t really see what happened during the match but the truth is that there’s only one Vincent Enyeama and we only have to encourage and support them, these guys need confidence.
“It’s sad that everybody was talking about goalkeeping before the game. These guys have to go through massive pressure to live up to the billing.
“Everyone wants another Vincent Enyeama in Uzoho, everyone wants another Vincent Enyeama in Akpeyi and Okoye which is very difficult and putting massive pressure on the young lads.”
Enyeama, who was formerly Nigeria’s all-time appearance maker before he was overtaken by the still active Ahmed Musa, represented Nigeria in three World Cups 2002, 2010 and 2014.