Former Nigerian internationals Austin Eguavoen and Victor Ikpeba are drumming up support for the return of Vincent Enyeama to the Super Eagles for next year’s World Cup.
Enyeama had retired from the team in 2015 following a fallout with then coach Sunday Oliseh.
The three-time African champions have yet to find a reliable replacement for him following Carl Ikeme’s leukemia diagnoses.
Ikpeba said Enyeama’s experience would prove invaluable for the Super Eagles in Russia.
“Experience is the key, this is the World Cup and he could be like mentor to other goalkeepers, he has paid his dues,” he said.
“At the 1998 World Cup, we suffered when we brought back a goalkeeper who was finished.”
On his part, former Eagles coach Eguavoen, who called the former Lille goalkeeper a top-class goalie, said he would be delighted if Enyeama returned to the team.
“Vincent is experienced and he will bring more competition to the team because the other goalkeepers now feel very relaxed,” he said.
“He is a top-class goalkeeper, who should get his chance in friendlies leading to the World Cup. There will not be many games to play before the World Cup and so fresh call-ups will take a while to settle in.”