Super Eagles Will Overcome, Says Enyeama as He Appeals for Ex-Players’ Support

Former Super Eagles captain Vincent Enyeama is confident Nigeria will overcome their shaky start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and secure a ticket to the tournament, Sport360NG reports.

The three-time World Cup goalkeeper expressed optimism despite the national team sitting fourth in Group C with seven points from six matches. South Africa lead the group on 13 points, while Rwanda and Benin Republic are a point ahead of Nigeria on eight apiece.

“My belief is that Nigeria will qualify,” said Enyeama. “The Super Eagles always rise from difficult moments. They will beat South Africa, they will beat Rwanda, and they will qualify. I have my fingers crossed on that.”

Enyeama, who famously captained Nigeria to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations title and earned 101 caps before retiring from international duty in 2015, noted that the team’s resilience has always been decisive in crunch situations.

Nigeria’s qualification path has been further complicated by a pending disciplinary case against South Africa, who risk losing points for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho in March. The Super Eagles still face a daunting run of fixtures, starting with an away tie against South Africa in Bloemfontein before hosting Rwanda in Uyo in September. They will conclude the campaign in October with matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

Away from football, the 43-year-old called on the Nigeria Football Federation and government institutions to show more practical support for retired players who are investing in businesses and creating jobs.

Enyeama, now managing his hospitality venture, Vinpys Hotel in Uyo, said he employs nearly 100 staff and channels millions of naira back into the economy every month.

“I am not asking government to hand me money,” he explained. “What I want is for them to patronise us, send people to our hotel, restaurant, and pool. That way I can keep empowering others.”

He stressed that many former footballers struggle financially within a few years of retirement despite once earning substantial sums, largely because of inadequate support structures.

“No matter how much you make in your career, you still need society and government to sustain your investments,” Enyeama said. “If businesses lack patronage, they collapse. Many ex-players who tried to invest end up in hardship because they had no backing. No one can succeed in isolation.”

Enyeama maintained that with the right support, former players can continue to contribute significantly to the Nigerian economy long after their playing days.