Lille Commemorates the 10th Anniversary of Vincent Enyeama’s Goalkeeping Excellence in Ligue 1, a Marvelous Feat by the Super Eagles Legend.
The former Nigeria international enjoyed much of his goalkeeping success in Israel, where he is considered one of the country’s greatest goalkeeping imports, but he also left a long-lasting mark in France
Sunday, December 3, 2023, marked a decade since legendary Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama etched his name in Ligue 1 history by going an astounding 1,062 minutes without conceding a goal, Soccernet.ng reports.
Lille, still marveling at the incredible feat of “Spider Enyeaman,” took to their official website to commemorate the anniversary of this remarkable achievement.
Enyeama’s Journey to Immortality
Vincent Enyeama’s association with LOSC began on July 1, 2011, when he joined from Hapoel Tel Aviv, where he had clinched the Israeli league and cup double in 2010.
However, the 2011/12 season saw Enyeama serving as a backup goalkeeper at Lille, and he was even loaned back to Israel to play for Maccabi Tel Aviv during the 2012/13 campaign.
He returned to France in 2013 after helping Maccabi Tel Aviv secure the Israeli Premier League and leading Nigeria to victory at the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
Following an outstanding year and ahead of the 2013-2014 season, Lille coach René Girard entrusted Enyeama with the coveted role of the team’s number 1 goalkeeper.
The then-Nigerian international, supported by the defensive quartet of Sidibé, Kjær, Basa, and Béria, formed an impenetrable wall that left opposing attackers frustrated.
11 Unbeaten Matches – A Wall That Stood Tall
From September 15, 2013, to December 3, 2013, Enyeama maintained clean sheets in 11 consecutive matches, frustrating the likes of Sochaux, Lyon, Monaco, and Marseille.
The streak concluded on December 8, 2013, against Bordeaux, but the impact endured, securing his place in history.
Accolades and Achievements
During this extraordinary period, Enyeama received several accolades, including the Player of the Month Trophy for October and November, the Marc-Vivien Foé Prize for the best African player in Ligue 1, and the title of the best goalkeeper of the 2013-2014 season.
LOSC finished the season in third place with the second-best defense in Ligue 1, conceding only 26 goals.
Legacy at LOSC
Vincent Enyeama’s tenure at LOSC spanned from October 26, 2011, to April 15, 2017, encompassing 164 matches and an impressive 65 clean sheets.
He emerged as the second most-used foreign goalkeeper in the club’s history, trailing only behind the Senegalese Tony Sylva.
As Lille reflects on this historic achievement, Enyeama’s impact on the club and his status as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Ligue 1 history remain indelible.
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