Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has shed light on his decision not to apply for the head coaching role of the national team.

The Nigeria Football Federation is yet to name a permanent replacement for Jose Peseiro since his departure as the Super Eagles head coach after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in February.

Enyeama, widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest goalkeepers, outlined two key reasons for his choice not to vie for the position.

In an interview with Afrik-Foot, the 41-year-old disclosed that since retiring from football, he has been focused on his hotel business.

“It’s not that I am not interested; it’s just that I am not certified,” Enyeama stated. “For you to be able to coach the Super Eagles, you must be certified. That’s the minimum standard.”

He emphasized the importance of certification and highlighted the demands of managing his hotel business as his primary focus at the moment.

“For now, I have to wait until I get the necessary certificate before I can say this is where I want to coach or the area where I can support the national teams,” Enyeama explained.

Additionally, Enyeama expressed his preference for coaching a full team rather than just being a goalkeeper trainer.

“I prefer to manage the full team because, as a goalkeeper, you always have a full view of the field and what everyone is doing at any given time,” he said. “That’s why most goalies make good coaches.”

Enyeama underscored the challenges of coaching established goalkeepers and highlighted the importance of working with younger players who are more receptive to learning.

“It will be nice to manage the full team because, as a goalkeeper, you always have a full view of the field and what everyone is doing at any given time,” he added.