Nine-time Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba International FC, have announced the departure of their head coach, Olanrewaju Daniel Yemi. This decision comes after a challenging run of form that saw the team go winless in their last nine matches, including league and continental competitions.
Enyimba’s recent struggles, highlighted by two losses in the continent and inability to secure victories in the domestic league, forced the club’s hierarchy to reassess their approach.
The decision to part ways with Coach Yema was not an easy one but was deemed necessary to return the team to its winning ways.
The club’s management, acknowledges the contributions of Coach Yema during his tenure. Fondly called “Yema” by fans, he played a pivotal role as an assistant to former head coach Finidi George, under the current management guiding the team to a 3rd place finish in the 2023/24 NPFL season, securing qualification for the ongoing CAF Confederation Cup.
The management wishes Coach Yema good luck in his next endeavor.
In a swift move, Enyimba has appointed Stanley Eguma, a seasoned tactician and one of the most respected figures in Nigerian football, as the new head coach. Eguma, who previously served as part of Enyimba’s coaching staff during their CAF Champions League triumphs in the early 2000s, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success.
Eguma is best known for his long-standing tenure with Rivers United, where he achieved remarkable success, including NPFL titles. His return to Enyimba is seen as a homecoming, with the club hoping his expertise can steer the “People’s Elephant” back to dominance in Nigerian and African football.
Eguma’s immediate task will be to stabilize the team and instill confidence among the players. His deep understanding of the NPFL, coupled with his tactical acumen, makes him a fitting choice to lead Enyimba during this critical phase.
Fans will be eagerly watching as Eguma begins his tenure, with hopes high that he can replicate the glory days and restore Enyimba’s reputation as one of Africa’s football powerhouses.
As the team embarks on this new chapter, the spotlight will be on Eguma’s ability to navigate the challenges ahead and bring the People’s Elephant back to its rightful place at the pinnacle of Nigerian and continental football.
The Coach has since taken over and is expected to take charge of his first game in the NPFL match day 19 encounter against Insurance FC at the Enyimba Int’l Stadium, Aba on Tuesday December 31st by 4pm.
