Ex-Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, has urged Nigerians to plead with Lille goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, to return to the national team.
Enyeama, 33, abruptly quit the three-time African champions last year after an irreconcilable difference with former coach, Sunday Oliseh.
The former Enyimba goalie who defied attempts made by erstwhile coach, Samson Siasia, to lure him back to the team, has since moved on with his club career – impressing thus far in the French League.
And Taribo, 42, who made 42 appearances for the Eagles between 1994 and 2005, insists the former skipper is still relevant to the national team.
The Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medallist says as the country’s most capped player, Enyeama still has a lot to offer the team and should be made to retire properly.
“Nigeria is a country where heroes are not appreciated and it is painful,” the former Inter Milan player told Punch.
“Nigerians should beg Enyeama to return to the Eagles and let him retire properly.
“He is the country’s most capped football player. It is evident that he still has a lot to offer the country.”
Enyeama was recently ranked sixth best goalkeeper in Europe as well as nominated for Goalkeeper of the Year award in France.
And West, an aggressive and no nonsense defender during his playing time, revealed that the team “currently lack that leader figure” – adding that his recognition is proof of his relevance.
“The Eagles currently lack that leader figure among them and it is evident in the way they are playing.”
“The young players need to learn a lot from Enyeama. The awards and rankings he got this week have shown that he still very good.
“Also, apart from Joseph Yobo, who is planning a testimonial for himself with some corporate bodies, no ex-international has been properly retired and they are all bitter towards the system.”
