I learned composure and command from Enyeama – Nwabali

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has acknowledged the influence of former Nigerian captain Vincent Enyeama on his career, describing him as “someone I always looked up to”, www.aclsports.com reports.

Nwabali was handed his competitive debut for Nigeria’s senior national team in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opening draw with Equatorial Guinea at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Sunday.

The Chippa United goalkeeper spoke glowingly of Enyeama who has been regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest ever goalkeeper by many.

“I watched Vincent Enyeama a lot although I didn’t have the opportunity to watch him live at the stadium.

“I watched him play in France and our national team and what I really loved about this man is his composure and the command of his area.

“Vincent Enyeama was someone I always looked up to despite having different styles to him but I always looked up to him,” said Nwabali to ACLSports.

Just like Nwabali, Enyeama made his competitive debut for the Super Eagles at a major tournament – the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan – and he became Nigeria’s first choice for the next twelve years.

Over the years, the Super Eagles goalkeeping position has been one with no clear first choice with no fewer than six goalkeepers keeping goal for the team in the past five years.

For Nwabali, he says he is not desperate to hold on to the spot but will always give his best whenever he is called upon.

“I am not bothered about the future. I don’t really care if I’m here now and being left out in the future but this is my country and I want to really do my best for the country.

“I am not worried about the future, I’m just here to do my part. If it’s my time to stay, I stay and if it’s my time to leave, I’ll leave,” added the former Enyimba goalkeeper.

Nwabali is expected to continue in goal when Nigeria’s Super Eagles face host nation Côte d’Ivoire in their second group game at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan on Thursday.