Vincent Enyeama
TVC E, SPORT – In what appears to be his first public comment since the male senior national team have been embroiled in controversies, former International and ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai has identified the exit of Vincent Enyeama as one of the problems bedeviling the national team.
He said though every player in a team is relevant and contributes to whatever result is ultimately achieved , some players go beyond playing but have leadership qualities that act as stabilizing factors to keep the team on course, especially at difficult moments.
The former Enyimba safe hand, according to Rufai, should not have been allowed to exit unceremoniously considering his contribution to the national team over the years and the need to encourage up and coming ones to see a committed example worth following.
“Eagles current problems started with the exit of Vincent Enyeama. He has sacrificed for the nation and his exit should not have taken place the way it did. We heard about losing his mother and other personal issues at that time and I believe the issue should have been handled differently,” he said
Rufai, who was a guest of The Nation/Sportinglife crew within the week, did not stop there but went spiritual when he said that there is always a repercussion when players who commit their heart to serving the nation are improperly treated.
Although Enyeama, who won his 100th cap for the national team on March 26 in a lone goal loss to Uganda has for the umpteenth time said he won’t change his mind following his October 8 retirement last year, opinions have continued to pop up whether or not it was the right time and right moment to quit
Interestingly, the former Ibom Stars and Hapoel Tel Aviv ace only few days ago made another history making his 100th appearance for his French side Lille, and bagging FIFA hard work award for the feat.
