It was an unfortunate and abrupt end to a stellar career over 101 appearances for the Super Eagles, marked by selfless dedication to the cause and memories of some of the most astonishing goalkeeping displays the country (and continent) have witnessed.
Since that retirement, Enyeama has gone on to put in amazing performances for Lille in Ligue 1, and was named as a finalist in the Marc Vivien Foe Prize, for the best African player in France, only last week.
Enyeama has come a long way since 2001 when he was third-choice at Enyimba and the circumstances leading to his decision to call time on his international career were avoidable.
Contrary to popular opinion, it was not just about his relationship with then-coach Sunday Oliseh. He had been mulling retirement even under Stephen Keshi's tenure, and there were other reasons as well as some political undertones, which is why it is exceedingly unlikely that the 33-year-old will return to the Super Eagles.
However, one of Enyeama's greatest ambitions is to play at the Olympic Games. In the run up to the 2008 Olympics, there were discussions behind closed doors about having the goalkeeper join the squad for the Beijing Games. In the end, Samson Siasia opted to stick with what he had and Nigeria lost 1-0 in the final to Lionel Messi's Argentina, with Ambruse Vanzekin in goal.
The situation is similar this time. Siasia is not only back as coach, but has some very exceptional goalkeeping talent to pick from, players who have proved their worth both in qualifying and, more recently, in the 1-0 friendly win against Brazil's U23s -- such as Daniel Emmanuel and Yusuf Mohammed.
However, none of the keepers at his disposal can match Enyeama for ability or experience. If the objective going to Rio is to land a second Olympic gold medal for Nigeria (after their success in 1996), then it is imperative to get the best possible players on board.
Enyeama left the national team under a cloud. For one who served the country for so long, and amassed the most senior caps of any Nigeria international, this would offer an excellent opportunity to send him off in style as one of the three overage players each team is allowed.
Brazil have already announced that Barcelona's Neymar will be lead their squad; Colombia are calling up Real Madrid's James Rodriquez and Arsenal's David Ospina. That is just a small taste of what might be cooking in Brazil and Enyeama has been just as outstanding as he has always been for Lille so deserves his chance for Nigeria.
Not only does Enyeama have the ability, he also has the mental strength and character to guide the team against the most difficult of oppositions, Neymar and Rodriguez included. And the country's young goalkeepers will have the opportunity to tap into his wealth of international experience, something he never had the chance to help current Super Eagles No. 1 Carl Ikeme with.
One worry about having the former senior captain in the team could be the issue of leadership. But there is precedent. Nwankwo Kanu captained the 1996 Olympic team despite the presence of Uche Okechukwu, Daniel Amokachi and Sunday Oliseh. So Siasia could still keep his captain, Azubuike Okechukwu.
Adding a goalkeeper like Enyeama not only gives the player a chance to fulfil a dream, but also presents the team with peace of mind when they walk out the pitch.
Joseph Yobo, Enyeama's immediate predecessor as Nigeria captain, told ESPN FC that knowing Enyeama was behind him always provided the platform of confidence for him to go forward. That kind of confidence is exactly what this "Dream Team VI" will need if they have to face the likes of James and Neymar.
It is uncertain if Enyeama will indicate any interest or even agree to come out of retirement for the Olympics. If he does, he will join a quality list of players who have been lured by the romance of the game they love.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson retired after testing positive for HIV in 1991, but returned in 1992 and won Olympic Gold in with the U.S. basketball Dream Team. Ice hockey legend Mario Lemieux retired from the Pittsburgh Penguins after the 1997 NHL playoffs; three years later, he won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics before retiring in 2006.
Getting Enyeama to the Olympics would provide steel at the back for "Dream Team VI," but it would also offer the nation a chance to say a proper goodbye to a player who will one day be looked upon as a legend.
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