The president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick has said a testimonial will be organised for Vincent Enyeama, saying he deserves “an honourable exit” from the Super Eagles.
On Saturday, Enyeama returned to Belgium to meet with NFF president Pinnick, NFF 1st Vice President Seyi Akinwunmi and 2nd Vice President Shehu Dikko.
Pinnick told Enyeama in clear terms that the country is bigger than any individual, and that even if he was determined to quit international football, he did not have to do so in a situation of acrimony.
“I told him that he did so well for Nigeria over the past 13-and-half years that he had been there, and by all means, is deserving of a honourable exit,” the NFF boss said.
“Whatever the situation, whether he decides to return to the team or not, the NFF will organise a worthy testimonial match in his honour because he served the nation so well.
“However, the head coach is in full charge of the team and the camp at all times, and that fact must be respected. The NFF will support and respect the decision of the head coach of any of the national teams at all times.
“Both Oliseh and Enyeama are true heroes of Nigeria football, if you look at what they achieved at different times. But Oliseh is head coach now and in charge of the team. We will continue to respect his contract; our role as a federation is advisory.”
Pinnick further hinted that a code of conduct for players and officials of the various national teams will soon come into force.
Speaking from Belgium on Sunday, NFF President Amaju Pinnick assured that the document was ready and would be implemented soonest to guide the conduct of players, officials and coaches and minimize areas of conflict and tension in the national camp.
“A small group had been working on the document and I am happy to say that it is now ready for implementation,” he said.
“This will spell out how players and officials must conduct themselves while in any of the national camps, and minimise the probability of misunderstanding between coaches and players.”