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FootballFrom Saves to Suites: Vincent Enyeama Opens Up on Journey Into the Hospitality Business
- Vincent Enyeama has a passion for hospitality and invested heavily in Uyo in Akwa Ibom
- The former Nigerian international is the chairman of the luxurious Vinpy Hotels in the city
- Enyeama is arguably Nigeria's greatest ex-goalkeeper with 100 caps for the national team
Former Nigerian international, Vincent Enyeama has disclosed that his idea of investing in the hospitality business comes from sheer passion for humanity.
The exquisitely finished Vinpy Hotels, situated in the heart of Uyo in the Akwa Ibom state, is owned by the ex-Enyimba of Aba goalkeeper.
Since his retirement from international football in 2015, Enyeama has focused on his businesses in Nigeria as he expressed his desire to offer services.
In an exclusive chat with Sports Brief, the former Lille of France shot-stopper stated that he has always had a passion for hosting people.
"It's borne out of the passion for humanity. I have always wanted to host people; to give people the best in accommodation, in food, drinks... you know, the big services. I've been into event management and all of that.
"It's about empowering the next generation of people, so that's really why I'm out here. It's not really easy doing hospitality in Nigeria because there are so many challenges, especially in power and water."
Despite the fact that cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are believed to be the home of the hospitality business, Enyeama explained why he chose to invest in the Akwa Ibom capital.
"Uyo is my town. I grew up here, and I think there wouldn't be a better place. The returns are okay; the most important thing is about empowering people, empowering the next generation of humans and humanity. We're working on that. It's just the bigger fish in the pot.
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Football"How to empower the young guys to have a living, earn a living. Feed their families and take people around. It's really part of what pushes me by contributing to society; contributing to the development and helping the government fight unemployment; that's really the thing."
Enyeama reflects on time with Super Eagles
Sports Brief also previously reported on Enyeama reflecting on his time with Nigeria, claiming that he was treated like a piece of 'used material'.
Barely two years after helping the Super Eagles win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, Enyeama formally stepped away from international football.
Enyeama remains Nigeria's most-capped international footballer, having made 101 appearances for the national team during his professional days.