Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has expressed confidence that Nigeria will overcome their current qualifying challenges and secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria currently sit fourth in Group C of the African qualifiers with seven points from six games. They trail leaders South Africa, who have 13 points, while Rwanda and Benin Republic are tied on eight.
Despite the difficult position, Enyeama, who captained Nigeria to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations title, believes the team’s pedigree will see them through.
“My stand is that Nigeria will qualify,” Enyeama told The PUNCH.
“Nigeria always comes out from the fire. They will beat South Africa, they will beat Rwanda, and they are going to qualify. I cross my fingers on that.”
Enyeama, who represented Nigeria at three World Cups before retiring in 2015 with 101 caps, noted that the race has been complicated by a possible points deduction for South Africa over the use of an ineligible player. Nigeria’s path to qualification includes a crucial trip to Bloemfontein to face the Bafana Bafana, followed by a home clash against Rwanda in Uyo in September, before finishing with games against Lesotho and Benin Republic in October.
The 43-year-old ex-Lille and Enyimba shot-stopper added that beyond football, he wants greater support for former players who have ventured into business. Enyeama runs Vinpys Hotel in Uyo, employing nearly 100 staff and injecting millions monthly into the local economy.
“If government can empower people like me, it helps everyone,” he said.
“I’m not asking for money. I want them to patronise my hotel, use the restaurant, the pool, and the rooms. That way, I can keep empowering people.”
Enyeama stressed that many retired footballers face financial struggles despite earning well during their careers, due to the lack of institutional support.
“No matter how much you earn during your career, at the end of the day you still need society and the government. Even if you invest wisely, without patronage your business can collapse,” he explained.
He urged the Nigeria Football Federation and government agencies to partner with and support former athletes who continue to contribute to the economy.
“I am investing heavily in the country, paying taxes, and sending revenue back to the government. The only way government can help is by empowering businesses like Vinpys Hotels. Many ex-footballers wouldn’t suffer after retirement if there was more support,” Enyeama said.
The former Super Eagles captain concluded that with resilience and unity, Nigeria will not only qualify for the World Cup but also prove once again that the team thrives in difficult times.
