Enyeama honours Onigbinde, the coach who called him Nigeria’s best ever keeper

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has paid an emotional tribute to late Nigeria coach Adegboye Onigbinde, Afrik-Foot reports.

1984 Africa Cup of Nations silver-winning coach Onigbinde died this week at the age of 88 and Enyeama recalls the role the veteran tactician played in his international career.

Speaking in an interview with Punch, Enyeama described the news of the coach’s death as heartbreaking. The former Lille goalkeeper said Onigbinde was more than just a coach to him, but a father figure who helped shape his journey in football.

He said: “Let me start by saying may his soul rest in peace. I learnt of it and it was really heartbreaking to hear. That is the end of everyone, but when people have marked something in your life and contributed positively to your success, you will wish they lived forever.

“It is painful, but I believe he has lived his life. Living in Nigeria and living up to 88 years is a grace. So many things can kill you in Nigeria before you reach 88, so I thank God for his life.”

Enyeama also revealed that he maintained a good relationship with the coach over the years and always remembered the support he received from him when he was still trying to establish himself in the national team.

“He was a father figure to me. He always told me, ‘Vincent, your time in the national team will come, just stay calm, keep working.’ I was very good in that national team camp for the World Cup. So, I had the chance to start against England in the last match.”

That encouragement proved important for the young goalkeeper, who was still playing in the Nigerian league with Enyimba at the time.

When asked how special it was to make his Super Eagles and World Cup debut under Onigbinde, Enyeama said: “The England game was like my third or fourth appearance in the national team, and it was amazing, being the first time at the World Cup too. Every youngster wants to be there. It was a dream come true.

“Although it was a dead rubber game for us, not conceding felt absolutely good too. Before the World Cup, I made my full debut against Kenya in a friendly match that we won 3–0 in Lagos and I also featured against Jamaica in the second half and we won 1–0.”

Onigbinde once named Enyeama Nigeria’s greatest goalkeeper

Years after giving him his big chance with the Super Eagles, Onigbinde would later describe Enyeama as the greatest goalkeeper Nigeria has produced.

The former national team coach, who guided Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, made the statement during an interview with The Guardian. Despite the historic feats of former Green Eagles star Emmanuel Okala, Onigbinde believed Enyeama’s achievements in both Nigeria and Europe set him apart.

He said: “As a coach that has worked with different generations of Super Eagles’ players, I know Nigeria has produced great goalkeepers like Best Ogedengbe, Peter Rufai, Emmanuel Okala, Patrick Okala, Peter Fregene, Wilfred Agbonavbare, Joe Erico, Innua Rigogo, Alloy Agu, Zion Ogunfeyimi and Agwo Nnaji, among others.

“But I think we should give the best goalkeeper so far in Nigeria to Vincent Enyeama.”

Onigbinde pointed to Enyeama’s outstanding performances in Europe as one of the main reasons for his choice.

“Enyeama stands out from these other goalkeepers because he performed well by being the number six best goalkeeper in Europe in 2016, which automatically made him one of the top keepers in the world at that period.”

The veteran coach also praised Enyeama’s displays for both Enyimba and the Super Eagles.

“His remarkable performance for Enyimba and the Eagles was worthy to be praised.”

Onigbinde even revealed the moment he first noticed the goalkeeper while preparing for the 2002 World Cup.

“After watching him for some minutes, I told my assistant, Fanny Amun, that he is Super Eagles number one goalkeeper for the World Cup. He asked if I knew him before and I said no. Since then Enyeama has not disappointed me.”

That early belief proved correct.

Enyeama went on to become one of Nigeria’s most celebrated players, earning over a century of international caps and building a successful career in Europe, achievements that helped cement his place among the country’s greatest footballers.