Following the recent international test matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique, football enthusiasts remain concerned about the goalkeeping situation within the Super Eagles. This apprehension comes as Nigeria prepares for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
The disappointing performance of the Super Eagles’ primary goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, in recent Nigeria matches, has amplified concerns among various football stakeholders. They are emphasizing the pressing need for an immediate focus on improving the quality of goalkeepers within the national team, particularly as Nigeria aims to excel in the upcoming AFCON next year.
Former Nigerian international Idah Peterside has advocated for the return of Vincent Enyeama, a former Eagles goalkeeper, to the national team. Peterside, speaking on Sportsville on Channels Television, suggested that Enyeama should be brought in as the goalkeepers’ coach for the Eagles in preparation for the AFCON.
According to the former Moroka Swallows goalkeeper from South Africa, having Enyeama, who earned 101 caps for Nigeria, within the Eagles’ setup would serve as a source of inspiration for goalkeepers such as Uzoho, Maduka Okoye, Adebayo Adeleye, and others. It would encourage them to elevate their performance.
“If we bring in an Enyeama as the goalkeeper coach, his wealth of experience as a former AFCON winner and two times World Cup goalkeeper for Nigeria will significantly help to improve the goalies in camp”.
“The current Eagles goalkeepers crave a leader; somebody they can look up to and truly learn from and I believe a Vincent Enyeama will provide that before and during the AFCON tournament.”
Peterside additionally expressed his lack of knowledge about the current Eagles goalkeeper coach, which could potentially lead to speculations that the individual may not possess the necessary experience to assist the national team’s goalkeepers.
“We can’t have several goalkeepers who have kept for Nigeria in the past and have someone whose name I don’t know as the national team goalkeeper coach in 2023, this is unacceptable,” said Peterside, referring to the national team’s current goalkeepers’ trainer, Oltunji Baruwa.
“In as much as Vincent Enyeama remains my preferred choice as the goalies coach, I think a Peter Rufai, will also do a great job in that capacity if given the opportunity”.
Regarding Nigeria’s prospects of securing its fourth Africa Cup of Nations title in Cote d’Ivoire, Idah expressed confidence that the Eagles could reach the semifinals if the concerns related to defense and goalkeeping are resolved. However, he refrained from offering any guarantees about Nigeria winning the tournament.
Nigeria has been placed in Group A, alongside the host country Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea. The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024.