PRESS RELEASE BY AKWA IBOM STATE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

On account of widespread reports of the ongoing saga at the camp of the Super Eagles involving Nigeria's most capped national team footballer, Vincent Enyeama, we are compelled to bear our minds on the issue. It is unfortunate that at a time like now, when Akwa Ibom people, nay Nigerians in general, are still mournful mood following the death and subsequent burial of Vincent Enyeama's late mother.
We wish to commend Enyeama's unparalleled display of patriotism in his decision to report for national team duty with Nigeria barely 72 hours after his late mother's funeral rites.
It has been observed with some level of dismay how football patriots of this country have been, more often than not, disgracefully dismissed from the national team at the twilight of their career. The like of Joseph Yobo, late Rasheedi Yekini, Jay-Jay Okocha and even the highly respected Sunday Oliseh who served this country meritoriously had all been recklessly dismissed at the end of the national assignment. Among other things, this regrettable trend is negatively robbing off on the willingness of the younger generation to grow up to play for the national team. As a result, we have lost stars like Emmanuel Olisadebe, Nedum Onuoha,Gabriel Agbonlahor among others to other countries.
To this end, we are appealing to the Nigeria Football Federation to arrest this ugly trend before it becomes irreversible.
Despite securing 101 caps to his belt and having played to the Zenith of football in Nigeria and beyond, Vincent Enyeama has on many occasions displayed unprecedented level of commitment, selflessness and dedication to duty.
After thirteen years of national service during which he put smiles on the faces of many Nigerians and won laurels for the country, Vincent Enyeama, at least, deserves an opportunity to bow out of the national team honourably.
We have unflinching faith in the super Eagles to continue in their efforts to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians. We wish the team success in their endeavours.
Sign by Hon Emmanuel Ibah
Chairman Akwa Ibom State Football Association