By Toby Prince
Super Eagles captain, Vincent Enyeama, announced Thursday announced his retirement from international football as reported by Qed.ng on Wednesday.
He made the announcement after meeting with top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation in Belgium on Thursday.
Enyeama, who is Nigeria’s most capped player, takes a bow from a 13-year international career with the national side after falling out of favour with Head Coach, Sunday Oliseh.
The Lille shot-stopper was involved in an outburst with the coach after he was stripped of the captaincy on Tuesday and CSKA Moscow winger, Ahmed Musa, installed in his place.
And now the 33-year-old has confirmed the fear of millions of Nigerians by quitting the national team after he had earlier vowed “not to walk out on Nigeria”.
In an emotional message, Enyeama thanked the country for the opportunity to serve and lead the country – an experience he would cherish for life.
The former Enyimba man however disclosed that this is the “most trying period” of his career and he feels the time is right for him to walk away.
He wrote on Instagram: “I have fought a good fight for more than 13 years. I have finished my course, I have kept the faith and sang the anthem with passion.
“Henceforth, there is laid for me a crown which only GOD can reward me for my 13 years of national service,” an emotional Enyeama said.
“God bless NIGERIA. From HENCEFORTH, I am no more the captain of the NIGERIAN senior football team, I am no more the goalie of the team, I am out of the team.
“I am no more available for international duties,” he added.
“I want to say thank you to every Nigerian fan and supporter worldwide. It’s being the most trying period of my life but I know that Nigerians are there for me and God is with me. God bless NIGERIA.”
According to reports, the player would not be involved in the friendly games after flying back to France to linkup with his club teammates.
