Vincent Enyeama explains decision not to pursue Super Eagles vacant coaching post

By Monsurah Olatunji 

Former Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has shed light on his decision not to pursue the head coaching position of the Nigerian national team.

Since the departure of Jose Peseiro after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in February, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to announce a permanent replacement.

In an interview with Afrik-Foot, the 41-year-old revealed that he has transitioned into the hotel business since retiring from professional football.

“It’s not that I am not interested; it’s just that I am not certified. For you to be able to coach the Super Eagles, you must be certified. That’s the minimum standard,” Enyeama explained.

He emphasized that his primary focus is on managing his hotel business, which currently takes precedence over football.

“The fact that I have been very busy developing and managing my hotel has taken a lot of my attention, and that business is the most important thing for me now. So football is like number two for me now,” he said.

Enyeama expressed willingness to contribute his wealth of experience to Nigerian football if approached by the Nigeria Football Federation.

“If the Nigeria Football Federation says, ‘Please come and share your wealth of experience in this area with these players,’ then it becomes a different thing altogether,” he noted.

However, he clarified that he will need to obtain the necessary coaching certification before considering any coaching role with the national teams.

“For now, I have to wait until I get the necessary certificate before I can say this is where I want to coach or the area where I can support the national teams,” Enyeama concluded.