Is Carl Ikeme ready to step into Vincent Enyeama’s shoes?

Apart from the odd friendly games here and there, the Akwa Ibom-born glovesman was an ever present figure for the national side, helping the country to third place finishes at the 2004, 2006 & 2010 AFCON.
The heartbreak brought by those near-misses was finally transformed to joyous jubilations when Enyeama skippered the Super Eagles to AFCON glory in 2013.

2 World Cups and 101 appearances after, Vincent Enyeama had not only sealed his legend as the player with the most games for Nigeria but the greatest goalkeeper ever to wear the Green and White.

Simply put, Enyeama is greater than the Okallas, the Agus, the Rufais that you heard about when growing up.

It’s really big shoes for Carl Ikeme to even attempt to try on.
But attempt he will. The new national team manager favours him, and his desire to turn out for Nigeria despite being born in England means he deserves his chance.

Now nearing 30 and having played all his league football in the lower English divisions, it’s almost impossible to replicate Enyeama’s feat with Nigeria.

Talent-wise the 6ft 3in Ikeme is not a lesser man but having received his first call up to the Eagles in 2007, he didn’t make his international debut until some eight years later.

There are a bunch of homegrown keepers waiting in the wings but Ikeme’s experience puts him ahead of the queue.

Nigerians love Enyeama and it may take a while to get used to seeing another take his place between the posts in international games. But with the right amount of commitment, passion and top quality performances, Ikeme might just ensure that the absence of Enyeama is not adversely felt.

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