In a bid to address the ongoing goalkeeper crisis plaguing the Super Eagles, former Nigerian midfielder, Etim Esin, has called upon the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to enlist the expertise of retired Super Eagles captain and goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama.
Esin voiced his recommendation during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday at the draws for the 5th edition of the Cohesion Football Tournament in Lagos.
The Cohesion Football Tournament, an annual grassroots competition for pre-teens aged between nine and 13, is sponsored by football enthusiast Damilare Obagbemi.
As the football community eagerly anticipates the tournament, attention has shifted to the pressing issue of the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping department.
Football pundits and stakeholders alike have expressed dissatisfaction with the current performances of available goalkeepers, prompting Esin to assert that the introduction of a seasoned veteran like Vincent Enyeama could be the solution.
Esin emphasised the collective responsibility of legendary Nigerian goalkeepers, including Peter Rufai, Ike Shorunmu, Alloy Agu, and others, in addressing the national concern.
While acknowledging Enyeama’s current professional commitments in France, Esin stressed the importance of considering the greater responsibility associated with a national assignment.
He asserted that Enyeama, with his proven track record, is the ideal candidate to revamp the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping prowess.
Esin also took the opportunity to set ambitious targets for the Super Eagles, urging them to aim for victory in the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) rather than settling for a semi-final finish.
He questioned the rationale behind setting a semi-final target when Nigeria has previously produced football legends like Stephen Keshi, who clinched AFCON both as a player and a coach.
In expressing his optimism about the current Super Eagles squad, Esin concluded by declaring that it is Nigeria’s time to reclaim the AFCON trophy and emphasized the need for the team to aspire for nothing less than championship glory.
(NAN)
