Enyeama on verge of history, gets praises

Enyeama has kept 14 clean sheets in French League.

Super Eagles and Lille of France goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, has continued to garner praise from within and outside Nigeria for his spectacular performances in the French Ligue 1 that has seen him kept 14 clean-sheets (includes 11 on the bounce) in his last 16 games, the second longest streak in the history of the French championship.

The latest person to sing Enyeama’s praise is the President of French Club, Olympique Marseille, Vincent Labrune, who simply described the Eagles stand-in captain as outstanding.

French tabloid, L’Equipe, quoted Labrune as saying: “Vincent Enyeama’s performance? At this level, he’s a running gag. He has had an outstanding game.” Lille had defeated Marseille 1-0 in a Ligue 1 encounter.

Formerly seen as surplus to requirement, Enyeama has become the mainstay in Lille as his performance this season is giving his club a fighting chance for the French League title. They are currently just one point adrift of table topping huge spenders, PSG.

For many, 31-year old Enyeama seems to be getting better with every passing day and his loud ambition of becoming the world’s best has received the blessings of the likes of Atlanta 1996 Olympic Gold medallist, Dosu Joseph (MON), who in a recent interview said Enyeama has what it takes to be amongst the world’s best shot stoppers.

Enyeama on his part remains calm about his performances as he has attributed his good form to his coaches as well as great team work from his colleagues.

“What can I say! I am just enjoying the moment,” Enyeama told Bein Sport. “It’s not just me, though, it is the whole group. We stay strong like a team. We have the spirit and the strength. I don’t know what is possible now. All I can say is that I have a great team round me and a great set of coaches.”

Now at 1035 minutes without conceding a goal, Enyeama is closing in on breaking the20-year old record of 1176 minutes set by then Bordeaux goalkeeper, Gaetan Huard.