Dosu Joseph has warned France-based goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama not to reverse his decision to retire from international football, saying he could regret it for the rest of his life if he decides to bow to pressure to return to the Super Eagles.
Enyeama, who is Nigeria’s most-capped footballer, retired from the national team in October last year after falling out with the then Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh following the announcement of Ahmed Musa as the team’s new captain.
“I have fought a good fight for more than 13 years. I have finished my course, I have kept the faith and sang the anthem with passion,” the Lille custodian wrote on Instagram.
“Henceforth, there is laid for me a crown which only God can reward me for my 13 years of national service.”
The 34-year-old is believed to be under pressure from Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr and some football personalities in the country to come out of international retirement – to play a part in the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
Rohr told reporters ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania that he had spoken with Enyeama about returning to the Eagles.
The German was quoted as saying recently that the former national team captain would return if the Eagles qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
And former Nigeria keeper Dosu, who has expressed concern over the development, wants Enyeama to focus on his club career and forget about international football.
“It’s up to him (Enyeama) to decide if he wants to return to the Eagles,” the Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games gold medallist told our correspondent on the telephone on Monday.
“He did very well in the national team – and was the best keeper in Africa.
“It’s unfortunate that he decided to retire from international football to concentrate on his club career.
“Since he has retired from the national team, I would advise him to enjoy his retirement.
“He’s a gentle guy and I don’t know what will happen if he decides to return to the Eagles.”
The former Julius Berger star says Rohr should keep faith with Wolverhampton Wanderers keeper Carl Ikeme, saying “he has done well so far”.
Dosu, who hailed the Eagles for their 2-1 defeat of Zambia’s Chipolopolo in their opening Russia 2018 World Cup Group B qualifier at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on October 9, urged Rohr to work on his defence ahead of the qualifier against Algeria in Uyo on November 12.
He insists the Eagles will not be a bunch of frightened rabbits against the star-studded Desert Foxes, saying the three-time African champions have the quality to stop their Leicester City’s attacking duo Islam Slimani and Riyad Mahrez, who spearhead the Algerians’ bid to run out winners.
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