Despite enjoying success on the continent, Nigeria have been unable to make much inroads on the international stage. The Super Eagles' highest finish was the round of 16 during their debut World Cup appearance in 1994, and again in 1998, but since then, have crashed out in the group stages and failed to even qualify in 2006.
Nonetheless, goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who will be appearing in his second World Cup in less than a month, is optimistic that his squad will put on a better show in Brazil. In fact, so confident is the Lille shot-stopper that he even predicted that they will go further than any African side has ever gone in the quadrennial tournament--despite the fact that Nigeria has not had much luck in any of their previous appearances.
"I think we are going to make big progress...Ghana almost reached the semi-finals four years ago. We are going to achieve a better result and be the first African team to get to the semi-finals of the World Cup", the 31-year-old stated.
Born on August 29, 1982 in Kaduna, Enyeama, who stands at 1.82 m (5 ft 11.5 in) is shorter than many of his counterparts who play between the sticks. Yet, that has not prevented him from establishing himself as one of the top in his position not just in his native Nigeria, but across Europe's top leagues. After plying his trade with local sides, his first move abroad was to Israel, where he spent two season with Bnei Yehuda, then four with Hapoel Tel Aviv before finally arriving in Europe with Lille during the 2011 summer transfer market.
After a one year loan spell back in Israel during the 2012-2013 season, this time with Maccabi Tel Aviv, he was promptly established in the starting XI under manager Rene Girard and has not looked back since. Naturally, he played a vital role in securing Nigeria's third African Cup of Nations win last year and subsequently their passage through the qualifying rounds to book their spot in Brazil.
Certainly, the Super Eagles will be depending on his steady hands as they hope to make it out of a tricky group against familiar foes Argentina as well as Iran and Bosnia.
Some interesting facts about the Super Eagles goalkeeper:
- He and Messi have faced off before, and the Barca man definitely will not remember him fondly. During the 2010 World Cup, Enyeama successfully kept the 4-time Ballon d'Or winner off the score sheet and earned worldwide plaudits as a result of his brilliant performance--despite his side's 1-0 loss.
- The Lille 'keeper successfully maintained 11 consecutive clean sheets this season, and came within 114 minutes of breaking a 21-year-record for the longest period without conceding a goal.
- It's rare to see goalkeepers score goals, but Enyeama netted eight during his time with Hapoel Tel Aviv and his first ever goal was a converted penalty in a Champions League qualifying match in August 2010.
- This will be the third consecutive time Nigeria has to contend with Argentina at the World Cup, and of course, Enyeama's second against Messi & Co.
