At his opulent and exquisitely self-managed Vinpy Hotel in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, former Super Eagles captain and Safe Hands of the Nigerian Goal Region Vincent Enyeama opens up on a number of issues pertaining to the lingering fortunes of Nigerian football in a candid and exclusive interview with HotSports.
HotSports: Congratulations on receiving an honorary degree from the University of Uyo, your alma mater.
Enyeama: It’s something I truly value; to God be the praise. It means a great deal to me, and I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who is involved.
Blessings to you all. It gives me a sense of satisfaction, and overall Even after all these years, some people still thought that my contributions to society warranted an honorary prize.
For me, it’s something wonderful and positive. It makes me very happy that they thought I was worthy of receiving such a prestigious honorary degree. I feel so happy about it.
HotSports: Do you feel personally accomplished in light of your professional success?
Enyeama: I feel like I did it. I have a great sense of accomplishment. The accomplishments I have made throughout the years are not simple.
It is not a simple task. To God be the glory, I’m happy that I’ve persevered through the years and have succeeded in achieving all of my goals and accolades.
HotSports: Which moments do you think are some of the best of your football career?
Enyeama: I experienced a lot of amazing experiences during my career. To be honest, I can’t really name them or make any one stand out as exceptional.
However, winning the AFCON title in 2013 continues to rank among the top moments of my career. Enyimba’s two CAF Champions League victories in 2003 and 2004 also leave a positive impression on my memory as we emerged as the continent’s champions. Among other moments, these stand out in my memory the most.
HotSports: Close observers of the National Team believe that our goalkeeping department has declined sharply as a result of your surprise departure from the Super Eagles. How do you feel about that?
Enyeama: To be honest, I haven’t been a fan of Nigerian football since I left and was truly treated like sh!t, so I made the decision to distance myself from the National Team, and that didn’t end well.
I’m starting to monitor the events from a distance now. But I was so heartbroken that I actually stopped watching Nigerian football and the national team. I’m starting to feel extremely at ease now.
I believe that in order to move on, turn the pages and chapters in my life, and gradually come to terms with the system, I have changed personally.
To be honest, I am unable to comment much about the national team, goalkeeping, or anything else related because I am not watching them.
HotSports: After retiring, a football player becomes a prosperous businessman.
Enyeama: Glory be to God. It has come out quite nicely. At times, one may venture into unknown waters without fully comprehending the contents or possibilities that await them. I give God the glory because, in the end, everything turned out beautifully.
I’m short of words, but I think the move from football to the hotel industry is fantastic. It’s almost like two distinct fields, but things have gone pretty well.
I believe I have a great deal of estate management experience in France. Even when I was a football player, I managed estates. I possess a couple of years of property management experience. I suppose that’s what made my transit easier.
HotSports: What guidance would you provide your younger audience and fans?
Enyeama: You cannot succeed in life if you have a negative outlook. That is the reality. You can never be negative and be positive at the same time.
Positive attracts good, and negative attracts negative; therefore, you will always receive back the energy you put forth. I’ve been on that trail, and it’s really helping me through, to God be the glory.
That’s my stuff; I will inspire the youth to be true to themselves, have faith in their aspirations and future, never give up, and fight for what’s rightfully theirs.