Reserved and soft-spoken, the captain of the Super Eagles, Vincent Enyeama, is not your average sportsman. The former Enyimba International FC player does not despise his humble beginnings. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches, Enyeama, rejected several offers to play in the
European league. He preferred to make a mark in his home country instead.
At the club, he won three league titles and the CAF Champions league twice.
He says his lucky break came when he was invited to play for Nigeria.
“I made my debut for the Super Eagles in a match against Kenya in 2002. I was selected as a backup for Ike Shorunmu, during the 2002 FIFA World Cup; it was a very competitive debut,” he recollects.
“Ever since, I have been the first-choice goalkeeper for the national team and together, we have won more than a few memorable matches. I have also had some painful losses at the same time,” he says.
Currently regarded as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers, Enyeama, who currently plays for French club side, Lille, is without a doubt, currently living out his dreams. He says, “Football has always been a part of my life and as a young boy growing up in Nigeria, I was not one of those children who wanted to become a medical doctor, engineer or lawyer. I simply wanted to be an international footballer and I worked towards achieving this goal.”
A risk-taker, Enyeama adds, “I always dreamt of becoming a footballer of international repute. My father coached Calabar Rovers, and so many other teams. I started out as an outfield player, but I have been a goalkeeper for the better part of my career.”
“I have always been a big dreamer and I have never been one to have small aspirations because my aim has always been to reach the zenith in any profession I find myself. Truthfully, I never thought I would come this far even though I wished to be at this present position I have found myself. It has always been on my wish list.”
Asked to share some of his career highpoints, the charismatic player says he has had numerous proud moments in his playing career. However, one readily stands out according to Enyeama, who is the first goalkeeper to be named the French Ligue 1 African Player of the Season.
He says, “Earning my 100th cap in a match in Nigeria, was a thing of joy and immense pride to me; it is a feat that words can’t convey. The height of the excitement and joy I felt was out of this world.”
Even though downtimes are no doubt a part of the human existence, the Akwa Ibom State-born footballer says he finds solace in the arms of his loved ones during trying moments. “My team recently lost 6-0 to Paris Saint-Germaine and it felt so bad to lose by such a wide margin. You can’t have it all good or rosy in life all the time so I always look on the brighter side in any sad moment. Spending time with my family helps me get over such periods,’’ he notes.
A chip off the old block, Enyeama, says his dad, who is a distinguished football coach, largely influenced his career. The hint of a smile lingered on his face as he reminisced on past memories from his childhood.
“I had a beautiful childhood and I wasn’t born to rich parents.My dad was a coach while my mum has always been a businesswoman; she was a caterer. She didn’t make so much money from her job but it was enough to take care of the family and support my father. My parents and other members of my family are just happy seeing how far God has brought me,” he says.
A doting father, he considers himself and his wife, Promise, a formidable team. Their love story dates back to their days as young undergraduates at the University of Uyo where they were both studying Applied Chemistry.
He shares their love story. “We were course mates and had a couple of close friends in common but ordinarily, she stood out. My wife has been the greatest thing to ever happen to me because of her transparency and warm nature. That is one of the reasons the good times we spend together is forever etched in my memory. These include the first time we met, made love, had our children, and our wedding anniversary,” he says.
While most successful footballers are often described as incapable of having a successful family life, the youthful sportsman begs to differ.
He says, “I am an exception to this rule because my family comes first in everything I do. I am proud to be a doting father and husband. My wife and I decided not to employ any nannies or maids because we want to be actively involved in our children’s lives. I bathe my children and get them to sleep every-time I come home. I help with their homework; grocery shopping and sometimes, I cook.
“I am a disciplined footballer and I do not pick calls once it is 10pm for any reason whatsoever because I want to spend time with my family. I don’t attend parties or clubs without my wife’s knowledge or permission and most times she accompanies me. For the sake of the love we both share, I can’t jeopardise our marriage. That is one of the reasons why I never fail to show my family off on Instagram because I adore them.”
A classic dresser, Enyeama who favours well-tailored suits, blazers and jackets is also quick to divulge a secret phobia of his.
“I am not a fan of Nigerian films because some of the fetish and diabolical practices portrayed therein scare me. Up till now, it still affects me as an individual; it has made me see a very bad part of Nigeria. I know it is a reality of our society but it makes me particularly scared.I detest lies and love straightforward people,” he reveals.
Give him a steaming bowl of pounded yam and afang soup or jollof rice, and coconut rice and he will thank you for it. “I love Nigerian delicacies and detest ‘Oyinbo’ food,” he says.
Although Enyeama currently lives, eats and breathes football, he appears to have his future plans clearly mapped out. He says, “My dream is to play football until I am 41 or 42. Then, I will retire and go into business. Already, I have a passion for real estate and would love to do a bit of educational consultancy by the side.”
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