Nwankwo Kanu, the renowned Nigerian football legend, has been appointed to assume a supervisory role in Enyimba International Football Club of Aba, replacing the long-serving executive, Anyansi. The news of this appointment was disclosed by Mr. Okey Kanu, the Abia State Commissioner for Information, during a press briefing following the inaugural meeting of the State Executive Council.
The decision to bring in the former Nigerian international and Olympic gold medalist was sanctioned by the State Executive Council (SEC) with the objective of bolstering the reigning 2022/2023 NPL champions and enabling them to reclaim their dominance on the continental stage.
Kanu recently paid a visit to Governor Alex Otti, during which he conveyed his congratulations on the governor’s electoral victory as the fifth democratically elected governor of Abia State. During the meeting, Kanu expressed his willingness to contribute his expertise in sports development for the advancement of his home state.
Enyimba will spearhead Nigeria’s campaign in the upcoming 2023/2024 CAF Champions League competition. The last time a Nigerian club lifted the trophy was in 2004, when Enyimba successfully defended their title from the previous year. Since then, Nigerian clubs have struggled to reclaim the prestigious CAF Champions League crown.
Governor Otti is determined to end this prolonged drought and has already urged Enyimba’s technical staff and players to commence preparations earnestly, with the goal of restoring the club’s status as continental champions. He conveyed this challenge during a reception organized for Enyimba FC following their triumph in the NPL season-ending Super 6 tournament held in Lagos last month.
Represented by his Deputy, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, Governor Otti assured the club that the government would provide unwavering support to aid Enyimba in regaining their stature as continental champions. Recognizing the formidable competition posed by North African clubs in the CAF Champions League, Otti pledged to assist Enyimba’s head coach, Finidi George, and his team in their pursuit of glory, while also vowing to strengthen the squad by recruiting additional players. Furthermore, Otti disclosed plans to renovate the Enyimba Stadium in Aba to meet international standards.
The new chief executive of Abia State further assured the beloved local club that their welfare concerns would be addressed promptly. He pledged to settle all outstanding salaries and allowances owed to the players and staff by the previous administration.
As Kanu prepares to assume his new role, he will collaborate with his former Ajax and Super Eagles teammate, Finidi, who led the club to their ninth NPFL title in his second season as the team’s manager last month.