Nigeria in safe hands with Enyeama

Perhaps one of the most underrated goalkeepers in Brazil, Vincent Enyeama has earned his plaudits over the past season, and was a consistent performer at the last World Cup.

His Nigeria side have been drawn in a group with Iran, Bosnia & Herzogovina and Argentina. As a result, they are 13/5 to progress to the last 16. Enyeama narrowly missed out on a record for the consecutive amount of clean sheets for club Lille earlier in the season, though has been a stand-out performer in Ligue 1.

He will have a challenge on his hands, in the group against the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko, though after keeping out Radamel Falcao and Bafetimbi Gomis this term, he is more than capable.

After recently winning the Ligue 1 African player of the year award, the first goalkeeper to do so, the player spoke of his joy.

“It’s amazing, a great honour and I deeply appreciate it. I must first give glory to God, my teammates, family and our beautiful fans for their remarkable support.

“It’s a reward for team effort and having great people in front of me. Together we’ve endured a tough but interesting season.”

On the World Cup, he is looking forward and is confident of the Super Eagles’ chances.

“I think we are going to make big progress.

“We are focused on the World Cup, to make Africa the proudest continent.

“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.”

Enyeama knows there is a possibility that Nigeria could face France, if they progress from the first round, though he is refusing to be drawn on a definitive stance, about the country he plies his trade in.

“If we play against France, it will be interesting but, if we play against Switzerland, it will also be interesting.

“The important thing is to qualify.