TheCable

Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has explained how he was able to save the decisive penalty kick that maintained Nigeria’s lead against Congo in Saturday’s game, which eventually ended 2-0 in favour of the visitors in Pointe Noire.

There are many tricks a keeper can deploy to make a save from the spot but the Lille of France first choice in goal has Bifouma Koulossa to thank for Saturday’s heroics.

The Congo forward scored from 12 yards against Austin Ejide in the 3-2 win in Calabar by hitting the ball to the keeper’s right corner.

Enyeama said that he studied that kick before Saturday’s game.

“It takes a player with big balls to change the direction where he normally plays his penalty kicks, especially under pressure,” he told ColinUdoh.com.

“When a player is under pressure like that, with their team a goal down, the crowd behind them and needing to score, he tends to go for his comfort zone, which is his best spot.

“I looked at the penalty he scored in the first game, and I saw where he put it. So I went that same way because I was sure he would not change, because he was under pressure. And he did not.”