Enyimba chairman and former Nigeria international Nwankwo Kanu has called on the club’s supporters to remain loyal to the team as the nine-time Nigeria Premier Football League champions struggle to find their footing in the 2026/27 season.
Enyimba are without a win after their opening three league matches and currently sit at the bottom of the table, with their poor start compounded by an ongoing leadership dispute within the club.
Kanu made the appeal ahead of Wednesday’s fourth league fixture against Sporting Lagos in Aba, urging supporters to continue backing the team as they attempt to reverse their fortunes.
Drawing inspiration from a popular jingle by the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State, Kanu acknowledged the club’s difficult situation while calling for unity from the supporters.
“The times have not been most favourable. We understand the weight of the disappointing losses and we are determined to make things right,” Kanu said.
He also recalled the support from the fans during their recent home defeat to Inter Lagos, despite the difficult circumstances.
“In the rain, you came out to support us against Inter Lagos. Though it did not go our way, you supported us till the final minute and we do not take that support for granted,” he added.
“We implore you to stand with us as we wriggle our way out of this labyrinth.”
Enyimba will be searching for their first victory of the campaign when they host Sporting Lagos, with Kanu describing a win as a potential turning point for the struggling side.
“Next for us is a home game against Sporting Lagos on Wednesday as we seek our first win of the season. A win can be a propeller,” he said.
“We are used to victories and we are proud of that culture. Come, cheer us to victory as we kick off a resurgence. We will get it right. Indeed, hard times are not forever, they come and go.”
However, the Sporting Lagos fixture comes against the backdrop of renewed tension within the club.
Enyimba’s training session on Monday was reportedly disrupted after sporting director Daniel Eke arrived at the training ground with police officers and some officials were arrested.
The incident followed an earlier confrontation involving Eke, who was allegedly attacked by men associated with the club on Sunday while reportedly celebrating Enyimba’s home defeat to Inter Lagos.
The leadership dispute has its roots in the previous season, when Eke was appointed sporting director by officials of the Abia State Government despite Kanu having named former Nigeria international Uche Okechukwu for the same role.
The disagreement later extended to the coaching position after Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu and Commissioner for Sports Nwaobilor Ananaba unveiled Cameroonian coach Emmanuel Deutsch as head coach, despite Kanu having appointed Deji Ayeni.
Ayeni and Okechukwu subsequently stepped aside to allow Deutsch and Eke to take charge, but tensions surrounding the club’s leadership have resurfaced this season.
Kanu, Eke and some members of the Abia State Government have remained at odds over the running of the club, leaving Enyimba to contend with both their difficult league campaign and an unresolved leadership crisis.
The clash with Sporting Lagos therefore carries added significance as Enyimba seek not only their first victory of the season but also a much-needed boost amid the uncertainty surrounding the club.
Leave a comment