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Nigeria keeper Vincent Enyeama announces international retirement

Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has prematurely called time on his international career after a row with coach Sunday Oliseh.

Enyeama, 33, told ESPN FC on Wednesday that he was considering his international future and might have to "step aside" in the interest of the team and country.

A day later, he took to Instagram to announce that he would no longer be available for selection after 13 years and 101 appearances.

I have fought a good fight for more than 13years.I have finished my course,I have kept the faith and sang the anthem with passion.henceforth,there is laid for me a crown which only GOD can reward me for my 13years of national services.God bless NIGERIA.from HENCEFORTH,����������������I am no more the captain of the NIGERIAN senior football team,I am no more the goalie of the team,I am out of the team.i am no more available for international duties.i want to say thank you to every Nigerian fan and supporter world wide.its been the most trying period of my life but I know that Nigerian are there for me and God is with me.������������.God bless NIGERIA.#ENDOFANERA.

A photo posted by Vincent Enyeama (@vinny2908) on

Oliseh stripped Enyeama of the captaincy for reporting late to camp following the funeral of his mother, leading to an exchange of words between both men during a team meeting at the Nigeria training camp in Belgium.

"I had wanted to make the announcement after the two friendly matches in order to allow the team to focus on the task," Enyeama told ESPN FC.

"But something happened on Wednesday and some things were said which made me realise I was no longer wanted, so I decided that in the interest of all concerned, I should leave."

However, Enyeama said he delayed his departure until a third goalkeeper, Dele Alampasu, arrived

"If I had left yesterday, there would have been only one goalkeeper left in camp, and that would not have been good for the team, he added. "So I waited until Dele came in."

The team are currently preparing for two friendly games against DR Congo and Cameroon.