By Daily Sports Nigeria on September 5, 2025

Former Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has expressed strong belief that the Super Eagles will overcome their qualifying struggles and book a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, The PUNCH reports.

Nigeria are currently fourth in Group C of the African qualifiers with seven points after six games. They trail leaders South Africa, who have 13 points, as well as Rwanda and Benin Republic, who are tied on eight.

Despite the tight situation, Enyeama believes the Super Eagles will rise to the occasion.

“My stand is that Nigeria will qualify,” he told our correspondent.

“Nigeria always comes out from the fire. They will beat South Africa, they will beat Rwanda, and they are going to qualify. I cross my fingers on that.”

Enyeama, who captained Nigeria to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations title and represented the country at three World Cups, retired from international football in 2015 with 101 caps, a national record at the time.

The qualification race has been further complicated by a potential points deduction for South Africa, who fielded an ineligible player against Lesotho in March. While that case remains unresolved, Nigeria face a crucial trip to Bloemfontein to confront the group leaders before hosting Rwanda in Uyo in September. They then finish with matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic in October.

Enyeama insists that the team’s pedigree and resilience will prove decisive.

“Nigeria has always shown that when things look difficult, they find a way to come out stronger. I believe it will be the same this time,” he said.

Beyond the pitch, Enyeama appealed to Nigeria Football Federation and government agencies to support ex-players who have ventured into business, so they can continue contributing positively to society.

Now 43, the former Lille and Enyimba goalkeeper is the chief executive of Vinpys Hotel in Uyo, where he employs nearly 100 staff and oversees daily operations.

“If government can empower people like me, it helps everyone,” he said.

“I am not asking them to give me money. I want them to patronise my hotel, send clients to eat in the restaurant, use the pool, and stay in the rooms. That way, I can keep empowering people.”

Enyeama explained that even successful players often struggle financially after retirement, especially without institutional structures in place to help them sustain businesses.

“No matter how much you earn during your career, at the end of the day you still need society and the government.

“Even if you invest wisely, without patronage your business can collapse. That is why government and individuals should support those who are creating jobs.”

He pointed to his own business, which he says injects close to 50 million naira in purchases each month, as an example of how retired footballers can still contribute to the economy if given the right backing.

“I am investing heavily in the country, paying taxes, and sending revenue back to the government. The only way government can help is to empower Vinpys Hotels, and others like it, by sending people to patronise us,” he said.

The former Super Eagles captain believes this kind of support would prevent many ex-footballers from falling into hardship after retirement.

“You see many players who earned good money, but within five or ten years after they stop playing, they struggle and some even die in poverty. It is not because they did not try, but because they lacked support. No one can walk alone,” he added.

Source Punch Ng

Posted September 5, 2025

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