Jump to content

Vincent Enyeama: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
fix ref
 
(54 intermediate revisions by 41 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Vincent Enyeama
| name = Vincent Enyeama
| image = Krasnodar-Lille (21).jpg
| image = Krasnodar-Lille (21).jpg
| image_size =
| image_size =
| caption = Enyeama playing for [[LOSC Lille|Lille]] in 2014
| caption = Enyeama playing for [[LOSC Lille|Lille]] in 2014
| full_name = Vincent Enyeama<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cafonline.com/userfiles/file/press-releases/16-finalistspdf-1263326226.pdf |title=2010 Africa Cup of Nations Angola: Finalists: Nigeria |publisher=CAF |page=12 |date=10 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100215030443/http://www.cafonline.com/userfiles/file/press-releases/16-finalistspdf-1263326226.pdf |archive-date=15 February 2010}}</ref>
| fullname = Vincent Enyeama
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1982|8|29|df=y}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1982|8|29|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Aba, Abia State]], Nigeria
| birth_place = [[Aba, Abia State|Aba]], [[Abia State]], [[Nigeria]]
| height = 1.80 m<ref>{{NFT|4839}}</ref>
| height = 1.80 m<ref>{{NFT|4839}}</ref>
| position = [[Goalkeeper (association football)|Goalkeeper]]
| position = [[Goalkeeper (association football)|Goalkeeper]]
| years1 = 1999–2001 | clubs1 = Ibom Stars | caps1 = 56 | goals1 = 1
| years1 = 1999–2001
| clubs1 = Ibom Stars
| caps1 = 56
| goals1 = 1
| years2 = 2001–2004 | clubs2 = [[Enyimba F.C.|Enyimba]] | caps2 = 100 | goals2 = 10
| years2 = 2001–2004
| clubs2 = [[Enyimba F.C.|Enyimba]]
| caps2 = 100
| goals2 = 10
| years3 = 2004–2005 | clubs3 = [[Heartland F.C.|Iwuanyanwu Nationale]] | caps3 = 36 | goals3 = 0
| years3 = 2004–2005
| clubs3 = [[Heartland F.C.|Iwuanyanwu Nationale]]
| caps3 = 36
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2005–2007 | clubs4 = [[Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv F.C.|Bnei Yehuda]] | caps4 = 56 | goals4 = 0
| years4 = 2005–2007
| clubs4 = [[Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv F.C.|Bnei Yehuda]]
| caps4 = 56
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2007–2011 | clubs5 = [[Hapoel Tel Aviv F.C.|Hapoel Tel Aviv]] | caps5 = 113 | goals5 = 9
| years5 = 2007–2011
| clubs5 = [[Hapoel Tel Aviv F.C.|Hapoel Tel Aviv]]
| caps5 = 113
| goals5 = 9
| years6 = 2011–2018 | clubs6 = [[Lille OSC|Lille]] | caps6 = 143 | goals6 = 0
| years6 = 2011–2018
| clubs6 = [[Lille OSC|Lille]]
| caps6 = 143
| goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2012–2013 | clubs7 = → [[Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.|Maccabi Tel Aviv]] (loan) | caps7 = 27 | goals7 = 0
| years7 = 2012–2013
| clubs7 = → [[Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.|Maccabi Tel Aviv]] (loan)
| caps7 = 27
| goals7 = 0
| totalcaps = 531 | totalgoals = 20
| totalcaps = 531
| totalgoals = 20
| nationalyears1 = 2002–2015
| nationalyears1 = 2002–2015
| nationalteam1 = [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]]
| nationalteam1 = [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]]
| nationalcaps1 = 101
| nationalcaps1 = 101
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's [[association football|football]]}}
{{MedalCountry|{{fb|NGA}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Africa Cup of Nations]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[2013 Africa Cup of Nations|2013 South Africa]]|}}
}}
}}
[[File:Vincent_Enyeama_-_Hapoel_Tel-Aviv.JPG|thumb|Vincent Enyeama playing for Hapoel Tel-Aviv|250x250px]]
[[File:Vincent_Enyeama_-_Hapoel_Tel-Aviv.JPG|thumb|Vincent Enyeama playing for Hapoel Tel-Aviv|250x250px]]
'''Vincent Enyeama''' (born 29 August 1982) is a Nigerian former professional [[Association football|footballer]] who played as a [[Goalkeeper (association football)|goalkeeper]]. During his senior career, which spanned nearly 20 years, Enyeama played for Ibom Stars, [[Enyimba F.C.|Enyimba]], [[Heartland F.C.|Iwuanyanwu Nationale]], [[Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv F.C.|Bnei Yehuda]], [[Hapoel Tel Aviv F.C.|Hapoel Tel Aviv]], [[Lille OSC|Lille]] and [[Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.|Maccabi Tel Aviv]]. He was also a member of the [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria national team]] from 2002 until October 2015, serving as its captain from 2013 until his retirement from international football in 2015. With [[List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps|101 caps]], he is Nigeria's most capped player of all time.
'''Vincent Enyeama''' {{post-nominals|country=NGA|MON}} ({{Audio|Ig-Vincent Enyeama.ogg|pronunciation}}; born 29 August 1982) is a Nigerian former professional [[Association football|footballer]] who played as a [[Goalkeeper (association football)|goalkeeper]]. Despite his below-average height for a goalkeeper, he is popularly regarded as one of the greatest African goalkeepers of all time and the greatest of his era.<ref>{{cite news |title=Six Greatest African Goalkeepers In History |url=https://www.johnfyucha.com/2020/06/six-greatest-african-goalkeepers-in.html?m=1 |access-date=21 November 2021 |date=8 October 2017 |archive-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121104850/https://www.johnfyucha.com/2020/06/six-greatest-african-goalkeepers-in.html?m=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>

During his senior career, which spanned nearly 20 years, Enyeama played for Ibom Stars, [[Enyimba F.C.|Enyimba]], [[Heartland F.C.|Iwuanyanwu Nationale]], [[Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv F.C.|Bnei Yehuda]], [[Hapoel Tel Aviv F.C.|Hapoel Tel Aviv]], [[Lille OSC|Lille]] and [[Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.|Maccabi Tel Aviv]]. He was also a member of the [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria national team]] from 2002 until October 2015, serving as its captain from 2013 until his retirement from international football in 2015. With [[List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps|101 caps]], he was Nigeria's most capped player until November 2021 when he was surpassed by [[Ahmed Musa]].


==Club career==
==Club career==


===Enyimba International===
===Enyimba International===
During his spell with [[Enyimba International F.C.]], he won the [[CAF Champions League]] twice, with one noteworthy distinction: He was always substituted before [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shootouts]]. "I don't know why I was substituted before penalties, but it worked," he said in an interview in 2006. "In Israel I stopped many penalties and now everyone knows that I can handle penalties."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Afrofootball - Nigeria - Vincent Enyeama|url=http://www.afrofootball.com/countrypage/nigeria-vincent-enyeama.html?p=7|website=www.afrofootball.com|access-date=28 May 2020}}</ref>
During his spell with [[Enyimba International F.C.]], he won the [[CAF Champions League]] twice, with one noteworthy distinction: He was always substituted before [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shootouts]]. "I don't know why I was substituted before penalties, but it worked," he said in an interview in 2006. "In Israel I stopped many penalties and now everyone knows that I can handle penalties."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Afrofootball - Nigeria - Vincent Enyeama|url=http://www.afrofootball.com/countrypage/nigeria-vincent-enyeama.html?p=7|website=www.afrofootball.com|access-date=28 May 2020|archive-date=18 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418065153/http://www.afrofootball.com/countrypage/nigeria-vincent-enyeama.html?p=7|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Bnei Yehuda===
===Bnei Yehuda===
After three seasons with [[Enyimba International F.C.]] and one with [[Iwuanyanwu Nationale]] (now known as [[Heartland F.C.|Heartland F.C]].), Enyeama moved to small Israeli club [[Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv]]. In his first season, the team qualified for the final of the [[Israel State Cup]] and, having finished fourth in the [[Israeli Premier League]], for the 2006 [[2006–07 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]] competition as well.
After three seasons with [[Enyimba International F.C.]] and one with [[Iwuanyanwu Nationale]] (now known as [[Heartland F.C.|Heartland F.C]].), Enyeama moved to the Israeli club [[Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv]]. In his first season, the team qualified for the final of the [[Israel State Cup]] and, having finished fourth in the [[Israeli Premier League]], for the 2006 [[2006–07 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]] competition as well.


===Hapoel Tel Aviv===
===Hapoel Tel Aviv===
Enyeama signed for [[Hapoel Tel Aviv F.C.|Hapoel Tel Aviv]] in 2007. Hapoel endured a poor season in 2007/2008, but Enyeama helped the team avoid relegation and reach the state cup final.
Enyeama signed for [[Hapoel Tel Aviv F.C.|Hapoel Tel Aviv]] in 2007. Hapoel endured a poor season in 2007/2008, but Enyeama helped the team avoid relegation and reach the state cup final.


During the 2008–09 season, Enyeama became Hapoel's penalty kicker, won the "Player of The Year" award, and just missed leading Hapoel to the league title.{{clarification needed|date=July 2018}}
During the 2008–09 season, Enyeama became Hapoel's penalty kicker, won the "Player of The Year" award, and just missed out on leading Hapoel to the league title.{{clarification needed|date=July 2018}}


In the 2009–10 season, Hapoel won the league and cup [[double (association football)|double]], with Enyeama featuring prominently. He scored a goal in the Cup Final, but missed a penalty in the last fixture of the year, which Hapoel eventually won by scoring in the 92nd minute, thereby capturing the league title.
In the 2009–10 season, Hapoel won the league and cup [[double (association football)|double]], with Enyeama featuring prominently. He scored a goal in the Cup Final but missed a penalty in the last fixture of the year, which Hapoel eventually won by scoring in the 92nd minute, thereby capturing the league title.


On 18 August 2010, he scored his first goal of the 2010–11 season with a penalty against Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League qualifiers.
On 18 August 2010, he scored his first goal of the 2010–11 season with a penalty against Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League qualifiers.
Line 47: Line 75:


===Lille===
===Lille===
In June 2011 Enyeama moved to French side [[Lille OSC|Lille]] for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract. He made his debut on 18 October 2011 against [[Inter Milan]] in the 2012 [[UEFA Champions League]] group stage, where Inter managed a 1–0 victory.
In June 2011, Enyeama moved to French side [[Lille OSC|Lille]] for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract. He made his debut on 18 October 2011 against [[Inter Milan]] in the 2012 [[UEFA Champions League]] group stage, where Inter managed a 1–0 victory.


In August 2012 Enyeama agreed a one-year loan deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv and was presented to the media by Maccabi's Sports Director [[Jordi Cruyff]] on 8 August 2012. He appeared in 27 [[Israeli Premier League]] fixtures and Maccabi went on to win the championship title.
In August 2012, Enyeama agreed a one-year loan deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv and was presented to the media by Maccabi's Sports Director [[Jordi Cruyff]] on 8 August 2012. He appeared in 27 [[Israeli Premier League]] fixtures and Maccabi went on to win the championship title.


During the [[2013–14 Ligue 1]] season, club manager [[René Girard (footballer)|René Girard]] picked Enyeama as his first-choice goalkeeper ahead of [[Steeve Elana]], who had previously been the first-choice goalkeeper under [[Rudi Garcia]]. With the help of his two centre-backs, [[Marko Baša]] and [[Simon Kjær]], Enyeama kept 11 consecutive clean sheets in [[Ligue 1]] matches during the first half of the season. On 8 December 2013, Enyeama finally conceded a goal after playing 1,062 minutes of [[Ligue 1]] football in an away match against [[FC Girondins de Bordeaux|Bordeaux]], during which he was beaten by [[Landry N'Guémo]]'s deflected strike in the 27th minute. He thus came within 114 minutes of equalling [[Gaëtan Huard]]'s Ligue 1 goalkeeping record, set in 1993, of playing 1,176 minutes without conceding a goal.
During the [[2013–14 Ligue 1]] season, club manager [[René Girard (footballer)|René Girard]] picked Enyeama as his first-choice goalkeeper ahead of [[Steeve Elana]], who had previously been the first-choice goalkeeper under [[Rudi Garcia]]. With the help of his two centre-backs, [[Marko Baša]] and [[Simon Kjær]], Enyeama kept 11 consecutive clean sheets in [[Ligue 1]] matches during the first half of the season. On 8 December 2013, Enyeama finally conceded a goal after playing 1,062 minutes of [[Ligue 1]] football in an away match against [[FC Girondins de Bordeaux|Bordeaux]], during which he was beaten by [[Landry N'Guémo]]'s deflected strike in the 27th minute. He thus came within 114 minutes of equalling [[Gaëtan Huard]]'s Ligue 1 goalkeeping record, set in 1993, of playing 1,176 minutes without conceding a goal.


In the [[2017–18 Ligue 1|2017–18 season]] Enyeama did not make a league appearance having been left out of the first team due to "a disagreement between the player and the club's management".<ref>{{cite news |title=Lille coach explains exactly why Vincent Enyeama has been axed |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/lille-coach-explains-exactly-why-enyeama-has-been-axed/6vnqnk3jqhqg17yi0dtxl8pae |access-date=18 August 2018 |work=Goal |date=24 April 2018}}</ref> He joined the first team's pre-season training in July 2018.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vincent Enyeama drops hint on LOSC Lille future |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/nigeria/story/3561367/vincent-enyeama-drops-hint-on-losc-lille-future |access-date=18 August 2018 |work=Kwesé ESPN |date=10 July 2018}}</ref>
In the [[2017–18 Ligue 1|2017–18 season]], Enyeama did not make a league appearance having been left out of the first team due to "a disagreement between the player and the club's management".<ref>{{cite news |title=Lille coach explains exactly why Vincent Enyeama has been axed |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/lille-coach-explains-exactly-why-enyeama-has-been-axed/6vnqnk3jqhqg17yi0dtxl8pae |access-date=18 August 2018 |work=Goal |date=24 April 2018 |archive-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818214502/http://www.goal.com/en/news/lille-coach-explains-exactly-why-enyeama-has-been-axed/6vnqnk3jqhqg17yi0dtxl8pae |url-status=live }}</ref> He joined the first team's pre-season training in July 2018.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vincent Enyeama drops hint on LOSC Lille future |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/nigeria/story/3561367/vincent-enyeama-drops-hint-on-losc-lille-future |access-date=18 August 2018 |work=Kwesé ESPN |date=10 July 2018 |archive-date=13 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713195338/http://www.espn.com/soccer/nigeria/story/3561367/vincent-enyeama-drops-hint-on-losc-lille-future |url-status=live }}</ref>


He was released by mutual consent on 31 August 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45374552|title=Vincent Enyeama: Lille release goalkeeper by mutual consent|date=31 August 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> In January 2019 he said he was keen to play again,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46836788|title=Vincent Enyeama: Nigeria keeper wants to play again|date=11 January 2019|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> and in July 2019 he went on trial with French club [[Dijon FCO|Dijon]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49125718|title=Nigerian Vincent Enyeama aims to return after two years out|date=26 July 2019|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> Despite not being offered a contract by Dijon he expressed gratitude to the club.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49180545|title=Vincent Enyeama: Former Nigeria goalkeeper 'grateful' for Dijon chance|date=31 July 2019|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> While at the start of the 2019–20 season Enyeama stated that he hoped to find a new club and continue playing, he finally retired after the end of the campaign.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/former-nigeria-goalkeeper-enyeama-reveals-retirement-plan/13n8w4urctimk17imvhcd3vrqu |title = Former Nigeria goalkeeper Enyeama reveals retirement plan after 20-year career |website = Goal |date = 1 November 2019 |accessdate = 15 March 2021}}</ref>
He was released by mutual consent on 31 August 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45374552|title=Vincent Enyeama: Lille release goalkeeper by mutual consent|date=31 August 2018|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=29 July 2019|archive-date=3 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803011413/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45374552|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2019 he said he was keen to play again,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46836788|title=Vincent Enyeama: Nigeria keeper wants to play again|date=11 January 2019|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=29 July 2019|archive-date=3 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803011428/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46836788|url-status=live}}</ref> and in July 2019 he went on trial with French club [[Dijon FCO|Dijon]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49125718|title=Nigerian Vincent Enyeama aims to return after two years out|date=26 July 2019|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=29 July 2019|archive-date=28 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728090856/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49125718|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite not being offered a contract by Dijon he expressed gratitude to the club.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49180545|title=Vincent Enyeama: Former Nigeria goalkeeper 'grateful' for Dijon chance|date=31 July 2019|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=1 August 2019|archive-date=1 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801083821/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49180545|url-status=live}}</ref> While at the start of the 2019–20 season Enyeama stated that he hoped to find a new club and continue playing, he finally retired after the end of the campaign.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/former-nigeria-goalkeeper-enyeama-reveals-retirement-plan/13n8w4urctimk17imvhcd3vrqu |title = Former Nigeria goalkeeper Enyeama reveals retirement plan after 20-year career |website = Goal |date = 1 November 2019 |accessdate = 15 March 2021 |archive-date = 26 July 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210726114946/https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/former-nigeria-goalkeeper-enyeama-reveals-retirement-plan/13n8w4urctimk17imvhcd3vrqu |url-status = live }}</ref>


==International career==
==International career==
After making his debut for the [[Nigeria national football team]] against [[Kenya national football team|Kenya]] in May 2002,<ref name=fifa>{{cite news|title=Vincent Enyeama|access-date=21 June 2014|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player=189300/profile-detail.html|publisher=[[FIFA]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629230838/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player=189300/profile-detail.html|archive-date=29 June 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Enyeama was selected for the [[2002 FIFA World Cup]] as a cover for [[Ike Shorunmu]]. He made his competitive debut in that tournament, keeping a clean sheet against [[England national football team|England]] in the third group match. Since the retirement of Shorunmu, he has been the first-choice goalkeeper for the national team, helping the Super Eagles to third-place finishes in the [[2004 Africa Cup of Nations|2004]], [[2006 African Cup of Nations|2006]], [[2010 Africa Cup of Nations|2010]] [[Africa Cup of Nations]] tournaments, and [[Captain (association football)|captaining]] the team to victory of in the [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations|2013]] edition. He has also participated in the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010]] and [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014]] [[FIFA World Cup]]s, and the [[2013 FIFA Confederations Cup]].<ref name=fifa/>
After making his debut for the [[Nigeria national football team]] against [[Kenya national football team|Kenya]] in May 2002,<ref name=fifa>{{cite news|title=Vincent Enyeama|access-date=21 June 2014|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player=189300/profile-detail.html|publisher=[[FIFA]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629230838/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player=189300/profile-detail.html|archive-date=29 June 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Enyeama was selected for the [[2002 FIFA World Cup]] as a cover for [[Ike Shorunmu]]. He made his competitive debut in that tournament, keeping a clean sheet against [[England national football team|England]] in the third group match. After the retirement of Shorunmu, he became the first-choice goalkeeper for the national team, helping the Super Eagles to third place finishes in the [[2004 Africa Cup of Nations|2004]], [[2006 African Cup of Nations|2006]], [[2010 Africa Cup of Nations|2010]] [[Africa Cup of Nations]] tournaments, and [[Captain (association football)|captaining]] the team to victory of in the [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations|2013]] edition. He has also participated in the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010]] and [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014]] [[FIFA World Cup]]s, and the [[2013 FIFA Confederations Cup]].<ref name=fifa/>


In the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations, Enyeama stopped three kicks in the quarter-final [[penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shootout]] against [[Tunisia national football team|Tunisia]], but could not prevent a loss to [[Ivory Coast national football team|Ivory Coast]] in the semi-final. In the 2010 tournament, he was again Nigeria's shootout hero at the quarter-final stage, saving from [[Zambia national football team|Zambia]]'s [[Thomas Nyrienda]] and scoring the winning kick himself.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/8477701.stm|title=Zambia 0–0 Nigeria (Nigeria win 5–4 on penalties)|author=Dave Lee|date=25 January 2010|department=BBC Sport|access-date=26 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100126052335/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/8477701.stm|archive-date=26 January 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>
In the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations, Enyeama stopped three kicks in the quarter-final [[penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shootout]] against [[Tunisia national football team|Tunisia]] but could not prevent a loss to [[Ivory Coast national football team|Ivory Coast]] in the semi-final. In the 2010 tournament, he was again Nigeria's shootout hero at the quarter-final stage, saving from [[Zambia national football team|Zambia]]'s [[Thomas Nyrienda]] and scoring the winning kick himself.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/8477701.stm|title=Zambia 0–0 Nigeria (Nigeria win 5–4 on penalties)|author=Dave Lee|date=25 January 2010|department=BBC Sport|access-date=26 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100126052335/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/8477701.stm|archive-date=26 January 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>


Enyeama made his second FIFA World Cup appearance in the 2010 tournament in [[South Africa]]. He was named man of the match in Nigeria's first game of the tournament, a defiant display that restricted [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]] to a 1–0 win. Enyeama, who was playing his 56th international for the Super Eagles, made six fine saves against the two-time world champions, four of them from [[Lionel Messi]]. Argentine coach [[Diego Maradona]] praised him as the reason Messi was not able to score a goal. Enyeama was also awarded man of the match in the team's next fixture, a 2–1 loss to [[Greece national football team|Greece]], but was at fault for [[Vasilis Torosidis]]' winning goal.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_19/default.stm</ref>
Enyeama made his second FIFA World Cup appearance in the 2010 tournament in [[South Africa]]. He was named man of the match in Nigeria's first game of the tournament, a defiant display that restricted [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]] to a 1–0 win. Enyeama, who was playing his 56th international for the Super Eagles, made six fine saves against the two-time world champions, four of them from [[Lionel Messi]]. Argentine coach [[Diego Maradona]] praised him as the reason Messi was not able to score a goal. Enyeama was also awarded man of the match in the team's next fixture, a 2–1 loss to [[Greece national football team|Greece]] but was at fault for [[Vasilis Torosidis]]' winning goal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_19/default.stm|title=Greece 2-1 Nigeria|website=news.bbc.co.uk|access-date=12 June 2021|archive-date=17 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617033031/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_19/default.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>


At the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, Enyeama deputised for regular captain [[Joseph Yobo]], who stayed on the bench for most of the competition.<ref name=fifa/> On 10 February, Enyeama led Nigeria to its third continental victory, keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 defeat of [[Burkina Faso national football team|Burkina Faso]] in the [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations Final]]. He was named to the team of the tournament as first choice goalkeeper, conceding only four goals in six matches.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kickoff.com/news/32774/2013-africa-cup-of-nations-team-of-the-tournament|title=2013 Afcon Team of the Tournament|date=11 February 2013|access-date=21 June 2014|work=[[Kick Off (magazine)|Kick Off]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214010354/http://www.kickoff.com/news/32774/2013-africa-cup-of-nations-team-of-the-tournament|archive-date=14 February 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
At the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, Enyeama deputised for regular captain [[Joseph Yobo]], who stayed on the bench for most of the competition.<ref name=fifa/> On 10 February, Enyeama led Nigeria to its third continental victory, keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 defeat of [[Burkina Faso national football team|Burkina Faso]] in the [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations Final]]. He was named to the team of the tournament as first choice goalkeeper, conceding only four goals in six matches.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kickoff.com/news/32774/2013-africa-cup-of-nations-team-of-the-tournament|title=2013 Afcon Team of the Tournament|date=11 February 2013|access-date=21 June 2014|work=[[Kick Off (magazine)|Kick Off]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214010354/http://www.kickoff.com/news/32774/2013-africa-cup-of-nations-team-of-the-tournament|archive-date=14 February 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
Line 68: Line 96:
In June 2014, Enyeama was named in Nigeria's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27302995|title=World Cup 2014: Nosa Igiebor cut from Nigeria squad|author=Oluwashina Okeleji|date=3 June 2014|access-date=21 June 2014|department=BBC Sport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629085306/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27302995|archive-date=29 June 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In the Super Eagles' first fixture, he kept the second FIFA World Cup clean sheet of his career as Nigeria drew 0–0 with [[Iran national football team|Iran]].<ref>{{cite news|access-date=22 June 2014|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285113|title=Iran 0-0 Nigeria|date=16 June 2014|department=BBC Sport|url-status=live|archive-date=29 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629124551/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285113}}</ref> He subsequently recorded a second consecutive shutout in the fixture against [[Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team|Bosnia and Herzegovina]], a 1–0 win which gave Nigeria its first win at the tournament since the [[1998 FIFA World Cup|1998 edition]].<ref>{{cite news|access-date=22 June 2014|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285235|title=Nigeria 1-0 Bosnia-Herce|date=22 June 2014|department=BBC Sport|url-status=live|archive-date=22 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140622122506/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285235}}</ref> He conceded three goals in the last match of the first round against Argentina, a game which ended in a 3–2 defeat for Nigeria, placing them second in the group and thus qualifying them for the second round for the first time in 16 years.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nigeria 2-3 Argentina|author=Saj Chowdhury|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285406|date=25 June 2014|department=BBC Sport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702065916/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285406|url-status=live|archive-date=2 July 2014|access-date=1 July 2014}}</ref>
In June 2014, Enyeama was named in Nigeria's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27302995|title=World Cup 2014: Nosa Igiebor cut from Nigeria squad|author=Oluwashina Okeleji|date=3 June 2014|access-date=21 June 2014|department=BBC Sport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629085306/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27302995|archive-date=29 June 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In the Super Eagles' first fixture, he kept the second FIFA World Cup clean sheet of his career as Nigeria drew 0–0 with [[Iran national football team|Iran]].<ref>{{cite news|access-date=22 June 2014|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285113|title=Iran 0-0 Nigeria|date=16 June 2014|department=BBC Sport|url-status=live|archive-date=29 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629124551/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285113}}</ref> He subsequently recorded a second consecutive shutout in the fixture against [[Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team|Bosnia and Herzegovina]], a 1–0 win which gave Nigeria its first win at the tournament since the [[1998 FIFA World Cup|1998 edition]].<ref>{{cite news|access-date=22 June 2014|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285235|title=Nigeria 1-0 Bosnia-Herce|date=22 June 2014|department=BBC Sport|url-status=live|archive-date=22 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140622122506/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285235}}</ref> He conceded three goals in the last match of the first round against Argentina, a game which ended in a 3–2 defeat for Nigeria, placing them second in the group and thus qualifying them for the second round for the first time in 16 years.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nigeria 2-3 Argentina|author=Saj Chowdhury|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285406|date=25 June 2014|department=BBC Sport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702065916/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285406|url-status=live|archive-date=2 July 2014|access-date=1 July 2014}}</ref>


On 26 March 2015, Enyeama won his [[List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps|100th cap]] for Nigeria in a 1–0 loss to [[Uganda national football team|Uganda]]. He retired from international football on 8 October 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/32070581|title=Uganda spoil Enyeama's 100th cap for Nigeria|date=26 March 2015|work=BBC}}</ref>
On 26 March 2015, Enyeama won his [[List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps|100th cap]] for Nigeria in a 1–0 loss to [[Uganda national football team|Uganda]]. He retired from international football on 8 October 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/32070581|title=Uganda spoil Enyeama's 100th cap for Nigeria|date=26 March 2015|work=BBC|access-date=13 February 2018|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924222603/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/32070581|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
A [[Christianity|Christian]] from Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Enyeama is married and a father of three.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nigeria v Ethiopia: We can win World Cup - Victor Enyeama|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/24980992|publisher=BBC Sport|author=Oluwashina Okeleji|date=17 November 2013|access-date=30 June 2014|archive-date=30 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630145514/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/24980992|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2004, he was involved in a car accident in [[Uyo]], [[Akwa Ibom State]] southern Nigeria, in which two motorcycle passengers were killed. The driver of the car in which Enyeama was travelling was left in critical condition. Despite the severity of the accident, Enyeama suffered only bruises after the car somersaulted twice as it swerved to avoid the motorbike.<ref>{{cite news|work=[[BBC News]]|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/3755782.stm|title=Enyeama escapes fatal crash|date=19 October 2004|access-date=17 June 2010|archive-date=21 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100621112814/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/3755782.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
A [[Christianity|Christian]] from Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Enyeama is married and a father of three.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nigeria v Ethiopia: We can win World Cup - Victor Enyeama|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/24980992|publisher=BBC Sport|author=Oluwashina Okeleji|date=17 November 2013|access-date=30 June 2014|archive-date=30 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630145514/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/24980992|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2004, he was involved in a car accident in [[Uyo]], [[Akwa Ibom State]] southern Nigeria, in which two motorcycle passengers were killed. The driver of the car in which Enyeama was travelling was left in critical condition. Despite the severity of the accident, Enyeama suffered only bruises after the car somersaulted twice as it swerved to avoid the motorbike.<ref>{{cite news|work=[[BBC News]]|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/3755782.stm|title=Enyeama escapes fatal crash|date=19 October 2004|access-date=17 June 2010|archive-date=21 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100621112814/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/3755782.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>


His son Godswill Enyeama signed for [[Lille OSC|Lille]] academy in 2024. A {{height|m=1.94}} goalkeeper, he grew up in France where his father moved in 2011. Godswill first played for [[Métropole Européenne de Lille|Lille area]] amateur club [[Iris Club de Croix|Croix]] for 8 years before joining his former father's professional club.<ref>{{cite news |language=fr |url=https://allezlille-stats.fr/formation-le-fils-de-vincent-enyeama-rejoint-le-centre-de-formation-du-losc |title=[FORMATION] Le fils de Vincent Enyeama rejoint le centre de formation du LOSC |date=25 July 2024 |website=Allez Lille |access-date=3 August 2024 |archive-date=3 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803164253/https://allezlille-stats.fr/formation-le-fils-de-vincent-enyeama-rejoint-le-centre-de-formation-du-losc |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Honours==


===Club===
==Honours==
'''Enyimba International'''
'''Enyimba'''
* [[Nigerian Premier League]]: 2001, 2002, 2003
* [[Nigerian Premier League]]: 2001, 2002, 2003
* [[CAF Champions League]]: [[2003 CAF Champions League|2003]], [[2004 CAF Champions League|2004]]
* [[CAF Champions League]]: [[2003 CAF Champions League|2003]], [[2004 CAF Champions League|2004]]
Line 86: Line 114:
'''Maccabi Tel-Aviv'''
'''Maccabi Tel-Aviv'''
* [[Israeli Premier League]]: [[2012–13 Israeli Premier League|2012–13]]
* [[Israeli Premier League]]: [[2012–13 Israeli Premier League|2012–13]]

=== International ===
'''Nigeria'''
'''Nigeria'''
* [[Africa Cup of Nations]]: [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations|2013]]
* [[Africa Cup of Nations]]: [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations|2013]]
⚫
'''Individual'''

⚫
=== Individual ===
* [[CAF Champions League]] Player of the Year: 2003, 2004
* [[CAF Champions League]] Player of the Year: 2003, 2004
* [[Footballer of the Year – Israel|Footballer of the Year in Israel]]: 2009
* [[Footballer of the Year – Israel|Footballer of the Year in Israel]]: 2009
* [[UNFP Player of the Month]]: October 2013, November 2013<ref>[https://www.tropheesunfp.com/accueil/palmares/ PALMARÈS]</ref>
* [[UNFP Player of the Month]]: [[2013–14 Ligue 1|October 2013]], November 2013<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tropheesunfp.com/palmares/|title=Palmarès|access-date=12 June 2021|archive-date=25 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525171309/https://www.tropheesunfp.com/palmares/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Prix Marc-Vivien Foé]]: 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://afriquefoot.rfi.fr/20140509-dessous-prix-marc-vivien-foe-2014-vincent-enyeama/|title=Les dessous du Prix Marc-Vivien Foé 2014
* [[Prix Marc-Vivien Foé]]: 2013–14<ref name=":4">{{cite news |last=Kalfa |first=David |date=12 May 2014 |title=Les dessous du Prix Marc-Vivien Foé 2014 |language=French |trans-title=The underside of the 2014 Marc-Vivien Foé Prize |publisher=Radio France Internationale |url=http://afriquefoot.rfi.fr/20140509-dessous-prix-marc-vivien-foe-2014-vincent-enyeama/ |url-status=dead |access-date=18 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605190351/http://afriquefoot.rfi.fr/20140509-dessous-prix-marc-vivien-foe-2014-vincent-enyeama/ |archive-date=5 June 2015}}</ref>
* [[Africa Cup of Nations]] Team of the Tournament: [[2004 African Cup of Nations#CAF AFCON Team of the Tournament|2004]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFCON 2004: CAF Team of the Tournament |url=http://www1.rfi.fr/fichiers/sports/Can2004/breve332.asp |access-date=2021-03-15 |website=www1.rfi.fr |archive-date=4 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304012604/http://www1.rfi.fr/fichiers/sports/Can2004/breve332.asp |url-status=live }}</ref> [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations#Awards|2013]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Orange CAF Africa Cup of Nations Awards |url=http://www.afcon2013online.com/index.php/news1/711-orange-caf-africa-cup-of-nations-awards |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213062408/http://www.afcon2013online.com/index.php/news1/711-orange-caf-africa-cup-of-nations-awards |archive-date=13 February 2013 |access-date=10 February 2013 |publisher=Orange Africa Cup of Nations South Africa 2013}}</ref>
|publisher=RFI.fr|date=12 May 2014|language=fr}}</ref>
* Goalkeeper of the year [[Nigeria Pitch Awards]]: 2013, 2014
* Goalkeeper of the year [[Nigeria Pitch Awards]]: 2013, 2014
* King of the pitch [[Nigeria Pitch Awards]]: 2014
* King of the pitch [[Nigeria Pitch Awards]]: 2014
* Goal Nigeria Player of the Year: 2014
* Goal Nigeria Player of the Year: 2014
* [[International Federation of Football History & Statistics#IFFHS CAF Man Team of the Decade 2011–2020|IFFHS CAF Men's Team of the Decade]] 2011–2020<ref>{{Cite web|date=28 January 2021|title=IFFHS (International Federation of Football for History & Statistics|url=https://www.iffhs.com/index.php/posts/926|access-date=31 January 2021|website=IFFHS}}</ref>
* [[International Federation of Football History & Statistics#Men Team of the Decade (2011–2020)|IFFHS CAF Men's Team of the Decade]] 2011–2020<ref>{{Cite web|date=28 January 2021|title=IFFHS (International Federation of Football for History & Statistics|url=https://www.iffhs.com/index.php/posts/926|access-date=31 January 2021|website=IFFHS|archive-date=12 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612130142/https://www.iffhs.com/index.php/posts/926|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[International Federation of Football History & Statistics|IFFHS]] 2023 March: Greatest African Goalkeeper of all Time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Agberebi |first=James |date=2023-03-13 |title=Enyeama Named Greatest African Goalkeeper Of All Time |url=https://www.completesports.com/enyeama-named-greatest-african-goalkeeper-of-all-time/ |access-date=2023-03-13 |website=Complete Sports |language=en-US |archive-date=13 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313132038/https://www.completesports.com/enyeama-named-greatest-african-goalkeeper-of-all-time/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

'''Orders'''
* [[File:Order_of_the_Niger_civil_division_ribbon.svg|60x60px]] Member of the [[Order of the Niger]]<ref>{{cite news |last=Okeleji |first=Oluwashina |author-link=Oluwashina Okeleji |date=13 February 2013 |title=Presidential reward for Super Eagles |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/21450619 |department=Sport |work=BBC |location=Lagos |access-date=19 March 2024}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Football in Africa}}
* [[List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps]]
* [[List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps]]


Line 112: Line 142:
* {{NFT|4839}}
* {{NFT|4839}}


{{Navboxes colour
{{Navboxes
|bg=gold
|bg=gold
|fg=navy
|fg=navy
|title= Awards
|title= Awards
|list1=
|list1=
{{2004 Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament}}
{{Israeli Footballer of the Year}}
{{Israeli Footballer of the Year}}
{{Marc-Vivien Foé Award}}
{{Marc-Vivien Foé Award}}
{{2010 CAF Team of the Year}}
{{2013 CAF Team of the Year}}
{{2014 CAF Team of the Year}}
}}
}}
{{Navboxes colour
{{Navboxes
|title=Nigeria squads
|title=Nigeria squads
| bg = #008751
| bg = #008751
Line 141: Line 175:
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Nigerian Christians]]
[[Category:Nigerian Christians]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Kaduna]]
[[Category:Footballers from Kaduna]]
[[Category:Nigerian footballers]]
[[Category:Nigerian men's footballers]]
[[Category:Association football goalkeepers]]
[[Category:Men's association football goalkeepers]]
[[Category:Nigeria international footballers]]
[[Category:Nigeria men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Africa Cup of Nations-winning players]]
[[Category:Africa Cup of Nations–winning players]]
[[Category:2002 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:2002 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:2004 African Cup of Nations players]]
[[Category:2004 African Cup of Nations players]]
Line 157: Line 191:
[[Category:Israeli Premier League players]]
[[Category:Israeli Premier League players]]
[[Category:Ligue 1 players]]
[[Category:Ligue 1 players]]
[[Category:Enyimba International F.C. players]]
[[Category:Enyimba F.C. players]]
[[Category:Heartland F.C. players]]
[[Category:Heartland F.C. players]]
[[Category:Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv F.C. players]]
[[Category:Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv F.C. players]]
Line 163: Line 197:
[[Category:Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. players]]
[[Category:Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. players]]
[[Category:Lille OSC players]]
[[Category:Lille OSC players]]
[[Category:Association football goalkeepers who have scored]]
[[Category:FIFA Men's Century Club]]
[[Category:FIFA Century Club]]
[[Category:Nigerian expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Nigerian expatriate footballers]]
[[Category:Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Israel]]
[[Category:Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Israel]]
[[Category:Expatriate footballers in Israel]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Israel]]
[[Category:Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in France]]
[[Category:Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in France]]
[[Category:Expatriate footballers in France]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in France]]
[[Category:Israeli Footballer of the Year recipients]]
[[Category:Members of the Order of the Niger]]
[[Category:CAF Champions League–winning players]]
[[Category:21st-century Nigerian sportsmen]]

Latest revision as of 13:54, 18 December 2024

Vincent Enyeama
Enyeama playing for Lille in 2014
Personal information
Full name Vincent Enyeama[1]
Date of birth (1982-08-29) 29 August 1982 (age 42)
Place of birth Aba, Abia State, Nigeria
Height 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)[2]
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1999–2001 Ibom Stars 56 (1)
2001–2004 Enyimba 100 (10)
2004–2005 Iwuanyanwu Nationale 36 (0)
2005–2007 Bnei Yehuda 56 (0)
2007–2011 Hapoel Tel Aviv 113 (9)
2011–2018 Lille 143 (0)
2012–2013 → Maccabi Tel Aviv (loan) 27 (0)
Total 531 (20)
International career
2002–2015 Nigeria 101 (0)
Medal record
Men's football
Representing  Nigeria
Africa Cup of Nations
Winner 2013 South Africa
*Club domestic league appearances and goals
Vincent Enyeama playing for Hapoel Tel-Aviv

Vincent Enyeama MON (pronunciationⓘ; born 29 August 1982) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Despite his below-average height for a goalkeeper, he is popularly regarded as one of the greatest African goalkeepers of all time and the greatest of his era.[3]

During his senior career, which spanned nearly 20 years, Enyeama played for Ibom Stars, Enyimba, Iwuanyanwu Nationale, Bnei Yehuda, Hapoel Tel Aviv, Lille and Maccabi Tel Aviv. He was also a member of the Nigeria national team from 2002 until October 2015, serving as its captain from 2013 until his retirement from international football in 2015. With 101 caps, he was Nigeria's most capped player until November 2021 when he was surpassed by Ahmed Musa.

Club career

[edit]

Enyimba International

[edit]

During his spell with Enyimba International F.C., he won the CAF Champions League twice, with one noteworthy distinction: He was always substituted before penalty shootouts. "I don't know why I was substituted before penalties, but it worked," he said in an interview in 2006. "In Israel I stopped many penalties and now everyone knows that I can handle penalties."[4]

Bnei Yehuda

[edit]

After three seasons with Enyimba International F.C. and one with Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now known as Heartland F.C.), Enyeama moved to the Israeli club Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv. In his first season, the team qualified for the final of the Israel State Cup and, having finished fourth in the Israeli Premier League, for the 2006 UEFA Cup competition as well.

Hapoel Tel Aviv

[edit]

Enyeama signed for Hapoel Tel Aviv in 2007. Hapoel endured a poor season in 2007/2008, but Enyeama helped the team avoid relegation and reach the state cup final.

During the 2008–09 season, Enyeama became Hapoel's penalty kicker, won the "Player of The Year" award, and just missed out on leading Hapoel to the league title.[clarification needed]

In the 2009–10 season, Hapoel won the league and cup double, with Enyeama featuring prominently. He scored a goal in the Cup Final but missed a penalty in the last fixture of the year, which Hapoel eventually won by scoring in the 92nd minute, thereby capturing the league title.

On 18 August 2010, he scored his first goal of the 2010–11 season with a penalty against Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League qualifiers.

Enyeama played well on the Champions League Group Stage, especially against Lyon and Schalke 04. Hapoel also won the Israeli cup again.

Lille

[edit]

In June 2011, Enyeama moved to French side Lille for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract. He made his debut on 18 October 2011 against Inter Milan in the 2012 UEFA Champions League group stage, where Inter managed a 1–0 victory.

In August 2012, Enyeama agreed a one-year loan deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv and was presented to the media by Maccabi's Sports Director Jordi Cruyff on 8 August 2012. He appeared in 27 Israeli Premier League fixtures and Maccabi went on to win the championship title.

During the 2013–14 Ligue 1 season, club manager René Girard picked Enyeama as his first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Steeve Elana, who had previously been the first-choice goalkeeper under Rudi Garcia. With the help of his two centre-backs, Marko Baša and Simon Kjær, Enyeama kept 11 consecutive clean sheets in Ligue 1 matches during the first half of the season. On 8 December 2013, Enyeama finally conceded a goal after playing 1,062 minutes of Ligue 1 football in an away match against Bordeaux, during which he was beaten by Landry N'Guémo's deflected strike in the 27th minute. He thus came within 114 minutes of equalling Gaëtan Huard's Ligue 1 goalkeeping record, set in 1993, of playing 1,176 minutes without conceding a goal.

In the 2017–18 season, Enyeama did not make a league appearance having been left out of the first team due to "a disagreement between the player and the club's management".[5] He joined the first team's pre-season training in July 2018.[6]

He was released by mutual consent on 31 August 2018.[7] In January 2019 he said he was keen to play again,[8] and in July 2019 he went on trial with French club Dijon.[9] Despite not being offered a contract by Dijon he expressed gratitude to the club.[10] While at the start of the 2019–20 season Enyeama stated that he hoped to find a new club and continue playing, he finally retired after the end of the campaign.[11]

International career

[edit]

After making his debut for the Nigeria national football team against Kenya in May 2002,[12] Enyeama was selected for the 2002 FIFA World Cup as a cover for Ike Shorunmu. He made his competitive debut in that tournament, keeping a clean sheet against England in the third group match. After the retirement of Shorunmu, he became the first-choice goalkeeper for the national team, helping the Super Eagles to third place finishes in the 2004, 2006, 2010 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, and captaining the team to victory of in the 2013 edition. He has also participated in the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups, and the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.[12]

In the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations, Enyeama stopped three kicks in the quarter-final penalty shootout against Tunisia but could not prevent a loss to Ivory Coast in the semi-final. In the 2010 tournament, he was again Nigeria's shootout hero at the quarter-final stage, saving from Zambia's Thomas Nyrienda and scoring the winning kick himself.[13]

Enyeama made his second FIFA World Cup appearance in the 2010 tournament in South Africa. He was named man of the match in Nigeria's first game of the tournament, a defiant display that restricted Argentina to a 1–0 win. Enyeama, who was playing his 56th international for the Super Eagles, made six fine saves against the two-time world champions, four of them from Lionel Messi. Argentine coach Diego Maradona praised him as the reason Messi was not able to score a goal. Enyeama was also awarded man of the match in the team's next fixture, a 2–1 loss to Greece but was at fault for Vasilis Torosidis' winning goal.[14]

At the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, Enyeama deputised for regular captain Joseph Yobo, who stayed on the bench for most of the competition.[12] On 10 February, Enyeama led Nigeria to its third continental victory, keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 defeat of Burkina Faso in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Final. He was named to the team of the tournament as first choice goalkeeper, conceding only four goals in six matches.[15]

In June 2014, Enyeama was named in Nigeria's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.[16] In the Super Eagles' first fixture, he kept the second FIFA World Cup clean sheet of his career as Nigeria drew 0–0 with Iran.[17] He subsequently recorded a second consecutive shutout in the fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a 1–0 win which gave Nigeria its first win at the tournament since the 1998 edition.[18] He conceded three goals in the last match of the first round against Argentina, a game which ended in a 3–2 defeat for Nigeria, placing them second in the group and thus qualifying them for the second round for the first time in 16 years.[19]

On 26 March 2015, Enyeama won his 100th cap for Nigeria in a 1–0 loss to Uganda. He retired from international football on 8 October 2015.[20]

Personal life

[edit]

A Christian from Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Enyeama is married and a father of three.[21] In 2004, he was involved in a car accident in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State southern Nigeria, in which two motorcycle passengers were killed. The driver of the car in which Enyeama was travelling was left in critical condition. Despite the severity of the accident, Enyeama suffered only bruises after the car somersaulted twice as it swerved to avoid the motorbike.[22]

His son Godswill Enyeama signed for Lille academy in 2024. A 1.94 m (6 ft 4+1⁄2 in) goalkeeper, he grew up in France where his father moved in 2011. Godswill first played for Lille area amateur club Croix for 8 years before joining his former father's professional club.[23]

Honours

[edit]

Enyimba

Hapoel Tel-Aviv

Maccabi Tel-Aviv

Nigeria

Individual

Orders

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "2010 Africa Cup of Nations Angola: Finalists: Nigeria" (PDF). CAF. 10 January 2010. p. 12. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 February 2010.
  2. ^ Vincent Enyeama at National-Football-Teams.com
  3. ^ "Six Greatest African Goalkeepers In History". 8 October 2017. Archived from the original on 21 November 2021. Retrieved 21 November 2021.
  4. ^ "Afrofootball - Nigeria - Vincent Enyeama". www.afrofootball.com. Archived from the original on 18 April 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2020.
  5. ^ "Lille coach explains exactly why Vincent Enyeama has been axed". Goal. 24 April 2018. Archived from the original on 18 August 2018. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  6. ^ "Vincent Enyeama drops hint on LOSC Lille future". Kwesé ESPN. 10 July 2018. Archived from the original on 13 July 2018. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  7. ^ "Vincent Enyeama: Lille release goalkeeper by mutual consent". BBC Sport. 31 August 2018. Archived from the original on 3 August 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  8. ^ "Vincent Enyeama: Nigeria keeper wants to play again". BBC Sport. 11 January 2019. Archived from the original on 3 August 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  9. ^ "Nigerian Vincent Enyeama aims to return after two years out". BBC Sport. 26 July 2019. Archived from the original on 28 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  10. ^ "Vincent Enyeama: Former Nigeria goalkeeper 'grateful' for Dijon chance". BBC Sport. 31 July 2019. Archived from the original on 1 August 2019. Retrieved 1 August 2019.
  11. ^ "Former Nigeria goalkeeper Enyeama reveals retirement plan after 20-year career". Goal. 1 November 2019. Archived from the original on 26 July 2021. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
  12. ^ a b c "Vincent Enyeama". FIFA. Archived from the original on 29 June 2014. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
  13. ^ Dave Lee (25 January 2010). "Zambia 0–0 Nigeria (Nigeria win 5–4 on penalties)". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 26 January 2010. Retrieved 26 January 2010.
  14. ^ "Greece 2-1 Nigeria". news.bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 17 June 2010. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
  15. ^ "2013 Afcon Team of the Tournament". Kick Off. 11 February 2013. Archived from the original on 14 February 2013. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
  16. ^ Oluwashina Okeleji (3 June 2014). "World Cup 2014: Nosa Igiebor cut from Nigeria squad". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 29 June 2014. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
  17. ^ "Iran 0-0 Nigeria". BBC Sport. 16 June 2014. Archived from the original on 29 June 2014. Retrieved 22 June 2014.
  18. ^ "Nigeria 1-0 Bosnia-Herce". BBC Sport. 22 June 2014. Archived from the original on 22 June 2014. Retrieved 22 June 2014.
  19. ^ Saj Chowdhury (25 June 2014). "Nigeria 2-3 Argentina". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 2 July 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2014.
  20. ^ "Uganda spoil Enyeama's 100th cap for Nigeria". BBC. 26 March 2015. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  21. ^ Oluwashina Okeleji (17 November 2013). "Nigeria v Ethiopia: We can win World Cup - Victor Enyeama". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 30 June 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
  22. ^ "Enyeama escapes fatal crash". BBC News. 19 October 2004. Archived from the original on 21 June 2010. Retrieved 17 June 2010.
  23. ^ "[FORMATION] Le fils de Vincent Enyeama rejoint le centre de formation du LOSC". Allez Lille (in French). 25 July 2024. Archived from the original on 3 August 2024. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  24. ^ "Palmarès". Archived from the original on 25 May 2019. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
  25. ^ Kalfa, David (12 May 2014). "Les dessous du Prix Marc-Vivien Foé 2014" [The underside of the 2014 Marc-Vivien Foé Prize] (in French). Radio France Internationale. Archived from the original on 5 June 2015. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
  26. ^ "AFCON 2004: CAF Team of the Tournament". www1.rfi.fr. Archived from the original on 4 March 2018. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
  27. ^ "Orange CAF Africa Cup of Nations Awards". Orange Africa Cup of Nations South Africa 2013. Archived from the original on 13 February 2013. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
  28. ^ "IFFHS (International Federation of Football for History & Statistics". IFFHS. 28 January 2021. Archived from the original on 12 June 2021. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  29. ^ Agberebi, James (13 March 2023). "Enyeama Named Greatest African Goalkeeper Of All Time". Complete Sports. Archived from the original on 13 March 2023. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  30. ^ Okeleji, Oluwashina (13 February 2013). "Presidential reward for Super Eagles". Sport. BBC. Lagos. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Vincent Enyeama.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Vincent_Enyeama&oldid=1263761682"