5 On 5

 

On ‘5 On 5’ this week we are joined by top shots on the Nigerian Sports scene to discuss the most topical issue in Nigerian football over the last couple of days.

After the unfortunate illness that has ruled Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Carl Ikeme out of football action dating back to the summer, Ikechukwu Ezenwa has been in goal for the Super Eagles in their last four matches enroute securing one of five slots for Africa at the Russia 2018 World Cup.

The name of erstwhile captain Vincent Enyeama continues to pop up in the football circles and we have brought five top analysts to air their incisive opinions on the clamour for the return of Vincent Enyeama

1. What do you think about the clamour to bring Vincent Enyeama back into the Super Eagles setup?

Calvin Emeka
The clamour for Enyeama is a typical Nigerian thing. We struggle to let go of National team legends. We all remember Peter Rufai in France ’98 and Christian Chukwu in October 1981 against Algeria in a World Cup qualifier, both ended in disasters.

Emeka Enyadike
The clamour for Enyeama’s return is not a good development because it sums up the fact that we have not prepared for life after him.

Biola Kazeem
I think the clamour is unnecessary.

Osasu Obayiuwana
If Vincent is physically and MATCH FIT and he is ready to accept a return to the team, under the rules Gernot Rohr has set out, my answer would be yes.

Wale Adigun
I think the clamour for Enyeama to return is normal due to the insecurities in between the goalposts. He is a legend and a fan’s favourite.

 

2. Is Ikechukwu Ezenwa good enough to start in goal for the Super Eagles at the World Cup?

Calvin Emeka
With Carl Ikeme sidelined, Ezenwa got his chance because the others before him did not perform well. He has his faults but he is growing. He is as good as what we have available.

Emeka Enyadike
Ezenwa stepped into pressure and uncertainty against Cameroon and did well. They need to be encouraged and exposed to top class coaching before the World Cup. The goalkeepers have very few caps and that inexperience is our problem not the goalkeepers.

Biola Kazeem
He is a decent goalkeeper who has the tendency to make the odd mistake. Even at that, we should move on from Vincent Enyeama

Osasu Obayiuwana
That question will be answered before the final World Cup list is drawn up. We still have six months before that happens, so let’s see what happens. But Ezenwa has performed creditably, so far.

Wale Adigun
Definitely yes! If he is good enough to secure the needed points against Cameroon and Zambia then he is good enough.

3. Considering that Ezenwa was in goal to relatively good effect for the most important matches in qualifying, what message does Enyeama’s return send to the legion of NPFL Players seeking to earn a place in the National team?

Calvin Emeka
NPFL players are badly marginalised in the Super Eagles as is almost anything from or inside Nigeria when there is a foreign option available. Ezenwa should keep working on his game and ignore the Enyeama clamour

Emeka Enyadike
They will have their chances if they are good. The only problem is that the NPFL players need to be exposed to higher level coaching.

Biola Kazeem
I want to believe the rights to play are being earned on merit. If so, the chances for the NPFL players are inherent on how well they perform.

Osasu Obayiuwana
Before Enyeama’s injury, he remained one of Nigeria and Africa’s best goalkeepers, even when he was out of the national team. I don’t think this can be disputed by anyone. If anyone wants to be Nigeria’s number 1 goalkeeper, you have to earn it. The issue is not about whether the Super Eagles goalkeeper plays in Europe or in the NPFL. It’s a simple question of who is the best for the position.

Wale Adigun
It sends a bad message to the NPFL players but on the flip side National team places should be earned based on quality and so long as quality is lacking in the League, there will be no opportunities for them.

 

4. Does this clamour for Enyeama to return continue even if he does not nail down a regular spot in his club before the World Cup?

Calvin Emeka
There are many starters in the Eagles who don’t play in their clubs. Enyeama should not be judged differently if he accepts to come back to the fold

Emeka Enyadike
Looking back at the France ’98 debacle with an unfit Peter Rufai, if Enyeama fails to nail down a regular starting spot in a club it would be wise to stop clamouring for his return.

Biola Kazeem
To be honest, I just prefer for us to move on. We have done without Enyeama for 2 years. Why reverse that?

Osasu Obayiuwana
As aforementioned, the person who start in goal should have earned the right by merit.

Wale Adigun
Enyeama already said he will not come back if he is not 100% fit. If he does not get enough game time at club level I would expect that Gernot Rohr would not pick him.

 

5. Who should be the first choice Goalkeeper at the World Cup? Ezenwa or Enyeama

Calvin Emeka
I can only answer this when the final squad is announced.

Emeka Enyadike
It might well end up to be neither
of them starting in goal at the World Cup. Gernot Rohr frequently has a good look of the players and I expect him to make the best choices all over the team.

Biola Kazeem
I think with Enyeama retired, we should move on with what we have. Ezenwa and Akpeyi with Uzoho maybe. Enyeama was there for 13 years. He did his bit. Someone else should carry the mantle.

Osasu Obayiuwana
The goalkeeper that is in form should be Nigeria’s first-choice for the World Cup. I am sure Rohr will make the right choice.

Wale Adigun
If Enyeama is as much as 95% fit, he would be a sure pick.