Former Super Eagles midfielder, Etim Esin, has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to consider employing retired Super Eagles captain and goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, as trainer to solve the Super Eagles’ goalkeeper crisis.
Esin gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during the draws for the 5th edition of Cohesion Football Tournament in Lagos on Saturday.
NAN reports that Cohesion Football Tournament is an annual cadet grassroots football competition, organised for pre-teens between the ages of nine to 13, being sponsored by a football enthusiast, Damilare Obagbemi.
NAN also reports that the the Super Eagles’s goalkeeping department has been a subject of debate as football pundits and other stakeholders are far from satisfied with the underwhelming performances of available goalkeepers.
Esin said the crisis in the goalkeeping department could be solved if a veteran like Vincent Enyeama was appointment.
“Goalkeeping crisis in the Super Eagles is not Jose Peseiro’s problem but the problem of the whole country. What are the legendary goalkeepers we have in Nigeria doing about it?
“We have great goalkeepers such as Peter Rufai, Ike Shorunmu, Alloy Agu and the rest of them, they have a responsibility to the country.
“I think it’s time to bring in Enyeama. It is true he has a job in France, but this is national assignment; we all know his position in Super Eagles, it’s time to bring him back.
“Enyeama is the best man for the job, we have had Rufai, Shorunmu and Agu doing their bit; NFF should give Enyeama a chance,” he said.
Esin also advised the Super Eagles to make winning the next African Cup of Nations (AFCONS) a target and not reaching the semi finals.
“I have heard people including the players giving a semi-final target for AFCON 2024, that is not good enough. We should be thinking of winning the cup.
“We have once had Stephen Keshi who won AFCON as a player and a coach, so why are we now giving them a semi final target? it is ridiculous.
“The Super Eagles should be thinking of bringing the AFCON trophy back to Nigeria. For me, I want the best for Nigeria and I can’t settle for less.
“It’s been a while since we won the cup last and I believe this current Super Eagles are up to the task. This is our time,” he said. (NAN)