Veteran Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has retired from international duty amid reports of a row between him and new coach Sunday Oliseh.
The Lille shotstopper’s decision came after the coach, a Super Eagles legend himself, replaced him as captain with Ahmed Musa ahead of their match with DR Congo, which the Nigerians went ahead to lose 2-0.
Enyeama is the Super Eagles most capped player with 101 appearances, and was handed the captaincy after Joseph Yobo retired after the 2014 World Cup.
The veteran keeper, who has represented Nigeria in four World Cups, broke the news via Instagram.
“I am no longer Nigeria captain or goalkeeper nor available for Nigeria duty,” he posted. “I fought a good fight for 13 years, but now I have finished my course”.
The 33-year old however refused to confirm that the decision to strip him of the skipper’s armband hastened his retirement, but admitted it was a difficult time to leave.
“After playing for the Super Eagles for 13 years, you never think that it would end like this but the time has come.
“There is never a good time to leave but I will always be a fan of the Super Eagles and Nigerian football.”
Enyeama was handed his debut appearance in May 2002 against Kenya, and will be most remembered for helping Nigeria lift the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, where he emerged as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
Apart from representing the Super Eagles in three World Cups, Enyeama also played in five Nations Cup tournaments.
He played in five Nations Cup tournaments – in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2013 – and was part of the Nigeria squad at the 2002, 2010 and 2014 World Cup tournaments.
“I just want to say thanks to my family and friends and all the fans who have supported me all these years,” he added.
“I played at three World Cups, won the Africa Cup of Nations and fought alongside brave compatriots so I am leaving on a high.”
Meanwhile, Oliseh will lead Nigeria against Cameroon on Sunday as they seek to make amends for the loss to DR Congo.
The Indomitable Lions pose an even greater threat as they are currently in fine form.
