Vincent Enyeama: Former Super Eagles and Lille goalkeeper loses father

The 2013 AFCON winner is widely regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers to have come out of Africa

Former Super Eagles captain and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has announced the passing away of his father, Pa Phillip Enyeama, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The one-time Lille shot-stopper made the announcement via a post he shared on his Instagram account on Saturday.

Alongside the emotional message was a video of himself and his late father enjoying a gem of table tennis.

Enyeama wrote: “To God be the glory for a life well spent. You were the reason a lot of people achieved what they achieved. You were selfless and generous. You stood in for many; you fought for many to achieve their dreams.

“I am proud to have been fathered by you. It’s a series. Your number was called. Farewell. God rest your soul in peace.”

Enyeama lost his mother in 2015, two years after helping Nigeria win the Africa Cup of Nations trophy for a third time.

Pa Philip Enyeama was a retired coach who played a significant role in nurturing Enyeama into becoming one of Africa’s most celebrated goalkeepers.

Enyeama went on to win several individual and club honours in Nigeria, Israel, and France.

The 41-year-old lifted three Nigeria Premier League titles and two CAF Champions League honours with Enyimba before leaving the country’s shores in 2005.

He won two Israeli Premier League titles with two clubs – Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel-Aviv – and another two Israel State Cups with the former.

Enyeama is one of the most revered goalkeepers in Lille’s history after his exploits with the French club saw him win the prestigious Prix Marc-Vivien Foé in 2014.

He made the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament in 2004 and 2013.

In March 2023, the IFFHS named Enyeama the Greatest African Goalkeeper of all Time.