22nd September, 2011
Vincent Enyeama’s axing from the Nigerian squad that would face Guinea on 8 October is due to his failure to apologise to head coach Samson Siasia personally.
He will also not be part of the side to play Ghana in an international friendly in London on 11 October.
Last week, Enyeama made a public apology for causing a stir in the Super Eagles’ camp before the game against Madagascar in Antananarivo on 4 September.
The OSC Lille Metropole goalkeeper had promised to call Siasia and apologise personally.
However, the former Enyimba man failed to keep to his words.
“Last week, Vincent did the right and honourable thing by tendering a public apology, in which he stated that he would call the coach to personally apologise.
“Sadly, that call did not come through. If the coach had received a call from Vincent, he would have been included in the squad,†Super Eagles’ media officer, Colin Udoh, said.
However, the lid has been lifted on what transpired in the team before the game in Antananarivo. Enyeama and John Mikel Obi had expressed concerns about the team’s flight arrangements.
Both players said they would have preferred a bigger plane in order to avoid a stop-over or refuel.
Siasia was said to have asked both players if they wanted a change in the travel plans and Enyeama and Mikel responded in the negative.
Both players also explained that they were speaking for their teammates.
However, on the day of the team’s departure Enyeama, Mikel and Victor Anichebe kept the team waiting for half an hour before Siasia told the bus driver to leave for the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja without them.
But Enyeama’s trouble with Siasia took a new dimension in Antananarivo when he allegedly protested in a rude tone when he was singled out with Anichebe and Mikel for their behaviour in Abuja.
This happened before NFF Executive Committee member Chris Green, the players and technical crew during a meeting called by the coach to resolve the issue.
Enyeama was subsequently dropped for the Madagascar game.
Unhappy with Siasia’s decision, the goalkeeper on the night of September 4 asked for permission to return to his club to the surprise of team officials.
Enyeama was granted permission to leave and has since failed to contact the Super Eagles’ head coach following their altercation.