Super Eagles legend Vincent Enyeama Swaps Football For Business

Former Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has chosen a path away from football, unlike many of his fellow ex-Super Eagles teammates. While stars like Kanu Nwankwo, Jay Jay Okocha, Victor Ikpeba and Joseph Yobo have taken up roles within the sport, Enyeama is now more focused on business and family life.

Since playing in a ceremonial match for French club Lille in April, Enyeama has returned to Nigeria. He has been busy promoting his hospitality business, Vinpy Hotels, located in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. On social media, Enyeama often shares cheerful videos of himself spending time with hotel staff and enjoying local meals prepared at the hotel.

Enyeama became a fan favourite at Lille, where he came close to breaking the all-time clean sheet record in France’s top league during the 2013 season. He kept 11 clean sheets in a row and went over 1,000 minutes without conceding a goal. His strong performances helped Lille reach the Champions League playoffs and earned him a special place in the club’s history.

He joined Lille in 2011 but had to wait for his chance, even going on loan to Maccabi Tel Aviv. When he finally got his place in the starting team, he made a huge impact. Sadly, his time at the club ended badly after a disagreement with club officials. He was left out of the team during the 2017 season and eventually left in 2018. He briefly trained with Dijon in 2019 but officially retired in 2020.

Enyeama is often described as one of Africa’s best goalkeepers. He won the CAF Champions League twice with Enyimba and was captain when Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013. He earned 101 caps for Nigeria and was the country’s most-capped player until Ahmed Musa passed him in 2021.

Now 42 years old, Enyeama seems to enjoy his new life. His son is training as a goalkeeper too, and Enyeama has been seen teaching him the skills that made him a legend in African football.