The Sun News On-line

There would be no more loss of sweat for Under-23 numero uno, Ambrose Vanzekin, as Super Eagles’ goaltender, Vincent Enyeama, has pulled out of next month's Beijing Olympic Games.

Enyeama, who was included as one of the three over-aged players for the Games, has refused to follow the Coach Samson Siasia’s team to South Korea. And his refusal has, thus, giving Vanzekin a great opportunity to showcase his potential in full swing in Beijing.

The Akwa United keeper has been looking forward to a big fight with Enyeama for the Olympic team’s No. 1 shirt. He had seen Enyeama as a big threat to his goalkeeping ambition in the Under-23 team, especially at the Olympics where he hopes to showcase his brilliance to the world once again.

Enyeama has been a full international since the 2002 World Cup and only recently regained top spot in the national team after he was sidelined at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana in February by former Super Eagles’ German coach, Berti Vogts.
Football officials said that Enyeama informed them that he would be fully engaged with his Israeli club, Hapoel Tel Aviv, during the Games. And as it stands, Daniel Akpeye of Nasarawa United will replace him.

The Nigeria’s Dream Team IV are currently training in Korea. They are expected to be joined by two of the over-aged players - Osaze Odemwingie from Locomotive Moscow and Ikechukwu Uche of Getafe.
However, it would have been very interesting in the goalkeeping department if Enyeama had made up his mind to be part of the team, as Vanzekin had vowed to keep him on the bench throughout the tournament.

In a recent chat with Daily Sunsport, Vanzekin had said that Coach Siasia and his crew’s decision to bring the more experienced Enyeama into the squad does not shake him at all. Hence, he vowed to be in goal for the team in Beijing starting from their opening match.
"Most Nigerians had expressed concern over the inclusion of Enyeama into the team, but I am not perturbed in any way," Vanzekin began. "I am confident that when the competition starts, the technical crew will have no excuse to displace me as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.

"I am not saying here that Enyeama is not a good goalkeeper, but I am special to this team that no one can displace me from my position. In fact, I have respect for Enyeama as the best goalkeeper that has featured in the colours of the national team in recent times, but the Olympics is not for people of his calibre. It is for younger ones like me.

“Moreover, we, the core members of the team understand ourselves better," he added.
Meanwhile, Siasia had expressed satisfaction with the response and commitment exhibited by his players so far.
Speaking to Daily Sunsport before their departure to South Korea, the coach said: "I am happy with the players’ progress just as I am happy with the general performance of the team. The boys are responding very well and their spirit is high."

Siasia admitted that their training sessions had been quite rewarding.
"It’s important for the boys to play together for them to understand themselves and blend properly for the coming big event. With better understanding, the team can give any opposition a run for their money at the Olympics."

On the team’s preparedness for the Beijing showdown, the coach remarked succinctly: "Tactically, we have to be very sound. As you are aware, we are going to play against great players from great countries of the world. So, we have to blend well in order to withstand the challenges ahead."
On the choice of his over-aged players, which include Osaze Odemwingie, Ikechukwu Uche (and Vincent Enyeama, who has opted out), Siasia said that they were all ready to play except for their club engagements, which they’re trying to sort out.

"You have to be nice to over-aged players and as well, apply diplomacy while dealing with their clubs.
"I spoke with them and they, (except Enyeama) will join us in Korea. They are all willing to play," he said.

The coach, however, ruled out the possibility of Danny Shittu joining the team.
"I like Shittu as a player, but he has not been playing for a while, so how can he play in the next two or three weeks with the team?" he queried.

He insisted that he’s trying to instill enthusiasm and doggedness into his players.
"I want to instill in the boys the John-Terry-kind-of spirit."