Enyeama: I think it high time that I won the Afcon

Enyeama: I owe Nigeria the Africa Cup of Nations title

Feb 8, 2013 5:15:00 PM

After years of service for his nation, the goalkeeper feels that he is overdue to lift the international trophy with the Super Eagles

EXCLUSIVE
By Lunga Ntuli

Vincent Enyeama has expressed his belief that he owes Nigeria Africa Cup of Nations success having been involved in the nation's set-up since 2002.

The Super Eagles defeated Mali 4-1 in their semi-final this week to initiate a final against Burkina Faso, and Enyeama said that reaching the Africa Cup of Nations final is one of his greatest achievements.

"I think it is high time that I get to lift the trophy," Enyeama told Goal.com. "We are all determined to win. Every player is ready and I think it will take a team effort for us to win this cup."

The goalkeeper was named stand-in captain when he has started games without full-time skipper Joseph Yobo in the line-up, but he dismissed any full-time role with the honour.

"I am just a goalkeeper wearing a captains belt, but the true captain is Yobo and the rest of the players," Enyeama said.

"When we enter the field everyone is a leader, and I think that is what has made us successful."

He won the footballer of the year award in 2009 whilst playing in Israel, and also the Caf Champions league twice with Enyimba, but Enyeama believes those achievements don't compare to the Afcon.

"Yes, I know that I have achieved a lot of things in my football career, but I still owe my country the Afcon," he added.

"The mood in the side has been great and I have had a great relationship with coach Stephen Keshi. He comes in with depth of experience and belief in all the players. It is always great playing under such a coach.

"Going to the final, we don’t know what will happen, but we know that we are going to give it our all and God will do the rest."

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