Nigerian football have been embroiled in fracas over the last seven days. Started with names of Super Eagles invitees and culminated in the Sunday Oliseh and Vincent Enyeama saga. From the moment I heard the story, I blamed the Manager, Sunday Oliseh. Having heard both sides of the story, I blame them both, but ascribe the larger share to Oliseh. There is a reason modern day football coaches are called Managers.
Back in 2002, the Super Eagles had a team captain named Sunday Oliseh. A skippo admired by the team. He spoke for them and stuck out his neck for them whenever the need arose. Temperamental but loyal to the core. Somehow, as expected, he fell out with the authorities and consequently missed the Japan/Korea 2002 World Cup. Fast forward to May 2015, he defended Super Eagles Captain, Vincent Enyeama when the latter spoke against the NFF's choice of Kaduna as AFCON qualifier venue. In all of these, method of handling was the issue. Being someone who was in a somewhat similar situation, I believe Oliseh could have handled it better. There is no rule book that stipulates that the Manager inform his captain before stripping him of captaincy. None. Oliseh didnt owe Enyeama any consultation. But I think courtesy would have sanctioned it. Oliseh said that Enyeama kept reiterating his intention to retire in two years and he needs a captain that will lead his team into the future. I see no point in that. Enyeama could have led the team till he retires and then Oliseh would give the band to whomever he deems fit. Stephen Keshi, Fabio Cannavaro, Rigobert Song and co all did it. Captaincy is a sacred issue in football. Oliseh knows that. Disrupt captaincy and you disrupt the soul of a team. Did you see Mikel accept the band from Musa during the Congo friendly when he was leaving the pitch? Neither did I. That speaks volumes. Loyalty is not just a word. It is a deed. Interpret how you deem fit.
Enyeama shouldn't have taken the issue to social media. That was childish. Prior to the social media play, NFF Supremo, Amaju Pinnick had called and settled the rift. Why Enyeama still went ahead to take it to social media beats me black and blue. Enyeama wasn't mature about it. According to stories from both men, delivery and perception were the major issues. One says A and the other perceives B. Still, the buck lies on the Manager's table. That is why a modern day coach is also called a Manager. Managing players is a difficult task. Every coach should be up to the neck on it. Also, Super Eagles media officers must have been busy watching the movie unfold rather than controlling it in the media. Till date, nothing tangible has been done in the area of damage control.
In all, both parties goofed. But then the handling of the issue is a package that falls on the table of the manager, Sunday Oliseh. He did not manage the situation well. How the Nigerian footbal community move on from the situation will be the anti climax. That said, I still stand by my belief that Oliseh will restore glory in the team. His tactics may be unconventional, but he will deliver. He remains my man for the job.
Did I hear today that Enyeama is making a U-turn back to the Eagles? Bad decision if you ask me. Address the issues, apologise for the unnecessary drama, NFF organises a farewell match in honor of his thirteen beautiful years of service to the nation and he faces Lille football and his family while making plans for life after football. Shikena.
Photo credit: gossip.friendite.com
Follow Ikenna Enenta on Twitter: @ikenna005
Nice write up..I agree with you but i think Enyeama is an Asset to the Eagles so if he wants to come back, we accept him with open arms.
ReplyDeleteEnyeama is the best goalkeeper Nigeria ever had,,in my opinion. He will be a great asset to any team he plays for like you said. But I think it's time he bows out of nations duties. Next issues concerning him in the Eagles might be messier.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Oliseh treated Enyeama good. He is indispensable in the team. Forget this Carl Ikeme guy. Enyeama is still better. One day Ikeme go blow whistle una go begin fain Vincent.
ReplyDeleteWell, having seen Ikeme in action for club and county, I think he is a good goalkeeper. But do you chase away and old wife because of the beauty of the old one? The while situation wasn't managed well. Both parties could have done better
DeleteI really still don't understand Oliseh's reasons for stripping Enyeama of his captainship. The major blame is on him. Enyeama isn't a proud guy that blows his trumpet. But he knows his worth and is willing to serve his country. And for the much he has done, that treatment is the least he expected from his country's direct rep. His exposure of the ish on social media could be termed childish but is excusable i'd say.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, though i'd totally love to see him back, i'd prefer he moves on with other plans.
Yes. In.my opinion that is where he got it wrong coupled with the handling of the situation. Why strip him when he can captain till he retires? It's not a new trend and it's not disruptive of his plans. Enya ma too didn't go about it the right way.
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