Maignan replaces Enyeama as Lille battle Reims tonight

In from Nifemi Daniel …

20-year-old goalkeeper Mike Maignan may likely replace Super Eagles captain, Vincent Enyeama, as his club, LOSC Lille battle Stade de Reims Friday night in a French Ligue 1 match.

Lille go into the game without Enyeama for the first time since the end of the 2012-13 season in their trip to play Stade de Reims at the Stade Auguste-Delaune due to suspension.

Enyeama was sent off in Lille’s 1-1 draw away to Stade Rennais FC a week ago and on Thursday it was confirmed that he must serve a one-match ban in Champagne country. As a result, his run of 82 consecutive starts since the start of the 2013-14 campaign will come to an end, leaving LOSC coach Hervé Renard with a decision to make over who starts in goal.

In his absence, the gloves will either be taken by Mike Maignan or Steeve Elana. Maignan was signed from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer on Renard’s insistence and made his debut from the bench in Rennes, saving a penalty from Paul-Georges Ntep before conceding to the same player shortly after.

Elana, meanwhile, has returned from a thigh injury and has more than 100 top-flight games under his belt, but is short of match practice.

Read also: Enyeama mourns late mum, wishes Eagles victory

Enyeama emerged as an outstanding ‘keeper who memorably went 1,061 minutes without conceding a goal in the autumn of 2013. His presence has helped Lille take the best defensive record in Ligue 1 into this weekend, with just two goals conceded so far in six games.

“The players will be informed first and will not find out through the press,” warned Renard when asked who would play in goal against Reims as he looks for his side to claim just a second win of the season, even if they are unbeaten since the opening day.

“We are progressing, that’s for sure, but we need to start winning to climb the table. I am reassured by the quality of the work being put in by the boys, and by their solidarity. A team that doesn’t lose games must have something going for it,” added Renard, whose side did not play in midweek, unlike their opponents.

“Reims have played this week, not us. But at this level, players are capable of playing three days apart. Reims have had a better start to the season than us, and against difficult opponents too.”

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