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Vincent Enyeama, born on 29 August 1982, is a Nigerian former professional footballer renowned for his exceptional skills as a goalkeeper. Despite his below-average height for the position, Enyeama is widely considered one of the greatest African goalkeepers of all time, leaving an indelible mark on the game.
Enyeama’s illustrious career spanned nearly two decades, during which he played for several notable clubs. He started his journey with Ibom Stars and later showcased his talent with Enyimba, Iwuanyanwu Nationale, Bnei Yehuda, Hapoel Tel Aviv, Lille, and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Not only did Enyeama excel at the club level, but he also made significant contributions to the Nigerian national team. He represented his country from 2002 until October 2015, serving as the team’s captain from 2013 until his retirement from international football. With an impressive 101 caps, Enyeama held the record for being Nigeria’s most capped player until November 2021, when he was surpassed by Ahmed Musa.
Club Career
Enyeama began his club career with Enyimba International F.C., where he achieved great success. He played a crucial role in helping the team win the CAF Champions League twice. Interestingly, he was always substituted before penalty shootouts, a strategy that seemed to work for him. Enyeama’s penalty-saving abilities became well-known, and he continued to showcase his skills in subsequent clubs.
After his time with Enyimba, Enyeama moved to Bnei Yehuda, a small Israeli club. In his first season, the team reached the final of the Israel State Cup and qualified for the UEFA Cup competition. He then signed for Hapoel Tel Aviv, where he played a vital role in helping the team avoid relegation and reach the state cup final. Enyeama became Hapoel’s penalty kicker and won the “Player of The Year” award. He also played a significant role in Hapoel’s league and cup double-winning season.
In 2011, Enyeama made a move to Lille in France. He made his debut in the UEFA Champions League against Inter Milan. In the 2013-14 Ligue 1 season, Enyeama became Lille’s first-choice goalkeeper and achieved an impressive record of 11 consecutive clean sheets. He came close to breaking Gaëtan Huard’s Ligue 1 goalkeeping record but fell short by 114 minutes.
Enyeama’s club career had its ups and downs, including a period of disagreement with Lille’s management, which led to his absence from the first team. However, he remained determined and joined the first team’s pre-season training in 2018. Later, in 2019, he went on trial with Dijon in France but did not secure a contract. Despite hoping to find a new club and continue playing, Enyeama eventually retired after the 2019-20 season.
Enyeama’s International Career
After making his debut for the Nigeria national football team in May 2002, Vincent Enyeama quickly established himself as a key player. He was selected as a cover for Ike Shorunmu in the 2002 FIFA World Cup and made his competitive debut in that tournament, keeping a clean sheet against England. Since then, Enyeama has been the first-choice goalkeeper for the national team.
Enyeama’s international career is filled with notable achievements. He helped the Super Eagles secure third-place finishes in the 2004, 2006, and 2010 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. In 2013, he captained the team to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations, leading Nigeria to their third continental victory.
Enyeama has also represented Nigeria in the FIFA World Cup. He participated in the 2010 and 2014 editions, making impressive performances. In the 2010 tournament, he was named man of the match in Nigeria’s first game against Argentina, where he made several crucial saves against Lionel Messi. Enyeama’s outstanding goalkeeping skills earned him praise from Argentine coach Diego Maradona.
At the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, Enyeama deputized for regular captain Joseph Yobo and led Nigeria to another continental victory. He was named the first-choice goalkeeper in the tournament’s team of the tournament, conceding only four goals in six matches.
In the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Enyeama continued to impress. He kept clean sheets against Iran and Bosnia and Herzegovina, helping Nigeria secure a spot in the second round for the first time in 16 years.
Enyeama’s international career reached a milestone when he won his 100th cap for Nigeria in a match against Uganda in 2015. However, he announced his retirement from international football later that year.
Family, Parents, Siblings of Vincent Enyeama
The renowned Nigerian goalkeeper was born in Aba, Abia State. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Enyeama, both of whom hail from Urua Inyang in the Ika local government area of Akwa Ibom State.
Enyeama shares a special bond with his brother, Philip Enyeama, who also played for the Nigerian national team and has since retired. The Enyeama brothers have made significant contributions to Nigerian football.
Unfortunately, in September 2015, Enyeama experienced a tragic loss when his mother, Mrs. Lucy Philip Enyeama, passed away.
The family held a burial ceremony in their hometown to bid farewell to their beloved matriarch. This heartbreaking event caused Vincent Enyeama to be absent from the 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifiers match against Tanzania, as he understandably needed time to grieve and be with his family.
Wife & Children
The former Nigerian national football team goalkeeper is not only known for his impressive skills on the field but also for being a loving husband and devoted father. He tied the knot with his wife, Promise, in a private wedding ceremony in June 2006, and their union has been blessed with two girls and a boy.
Enyeama often shares glimpses of his happy family life on social media, posting pictures and celebrating their union. On their 13th anniversary in 2019, he took to Instagram to express his gratitude to his wife, describing her as a miracle in his life.
Recently, the couple celebrated their 15th anniversary. Enyeama took to his official Instagram account to share the secret behind their long-lasting union. He emphasized that they have always focused on nurturing each other rather than dwelling on mistakes or complaints.
Promise has been a pillar of support for Enyeama throughout his career. In October 2015, when he resigned from the Nigerian National team, she publicly supported his decision on Instagram. She praised his dedication to the Super Eagles, highlighting how he had missed important family celebrations to serve his country.
During Enyeama’s birthday celebration, Promise expressed her gratitude and shared pictures of their joyful moments as a family. Her posts reflect the pride she feels for her husband and the love they share.
Vincent Enyeama’s Houses and Cars
When it comes to his assets, particularly his houses and cars, the former Nigerian goalkeeper prefers to keep them out of the spotlight. While he does have a lavish mansion in Lagos where he resides with his family, the details of his other properties remain unknown.
Enyeama’s love for cars is evident from the glimpses he shares on social media. Among his impressive car collection, he proudly owns two Range Rover Evoque models, one in black and the other in lemon green.
Additionally, he possesses a Chevrolet Camaro S.S., a Bentley Continental G.T., and a Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.
While some athletes are known for flaunting their luxurious properties, Enyeama takes a different approach.
Enyeama’s Impressive Honours and Awards
Vincent Enyeama, the former Nigerian goalkeeper, has had a remarkable career filled with numerous honours and awards. Let’s take a look at the accolades he has achieved throughout his football journey.
Club Honours:
- Enyimba Nigerian Premier League: 2001, 2002, 2003
- CAF Champions League: 2003, 2004
- Hapoel Tel-Aviv Israeli Premier League: 2009–10
- Israel State Cup: 2009–10, 2010–11
- Maccabi Tel-Aviv Israeli Premier League: 2012–13
International Honours:
- Nigeria Africa Cup of Nations: 2013
Individual Awards:
- CAF Champions League Player of the Year: 2003, 2004
- Footballer of the Year in Israel: 2009
- UNFP Player of the Month: October 2013, November 2013
- Prix Marc-Vivien Foé: 2013–14
- Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament: 2004, 2013
- Goalkeeper of the Year Nigeria Pitch Awards: 2013, 2014
- King of the pitch Nigeria Pitch Awards: 2014
- Goal Nigeria Player of the Year: 2014
- IFFHS CAF Men’s Team of the Decade 2011–2020
- IFFHS 2023 March: Greatest African Goalkeeper of all Time
Net Worth: A Look at the Goalkeeper’s Wealth
Although his current salary as a goalkeeper trainer in Croix is unknown, it is undeniable that he has accumulated a significant amount of wealth throughout his career.
During his seven-year spell with Lille, Enyeama was reported to receive an annual salary of up to 2.8 million euros. This substantial income, combined with his 19 years of playing professional football, has undoubtedly contributed to his financial success.
While Enyeama has never publicly disclosed his exact net worth, various athlete wealth checkers estimate it to be between $15 and $20 million. This estimation takes into account the earnings he amassed during his playing career.
His impressive salary and long-standing career have allowed him to build a comfortable financial future for himself and his family.
This article was updated 9 months ago
