Enyimba chairman and ex-international Nwankwo Kanu has called on the club's supporters to continue backing the team despite their difficult start to the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season. The nine-time NPFL champions are currently winless in three games and are at the bottom of the league table. Kanu's message comes ahead of their fourth game against Sporting Lagos in Aba on Wednesday. He acknowledged the club's struggles and urged fans to remain supportive.
Kanu drew inspiration from a popular jingle by the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State, acknowledging the club's disappointing losses while urging fans to continue backing the team. He expressed appreciation for the fans' support in their previous game against Inter Lagos, where they played until the final minute despite the loss. Kanu implored fans to stand with the team as they try to turn their fortunes around.
Enyimba will be seeking their first win of the season on Wednesday when they host Sporting Lagos. Kanu believes a win could provide the spark for a turnaround. He emphasized that the team is used to victories and is proud of that culture. Kanu encouraged fans to cheer the team to victory, which he believes will kick off a resurgence.
The crisis at Enyimba dates back to last season when Daniel Eke was appointed sporting director by officials of the Abia State Government, despite Kanu naming former Nigeria international Uche Okechukwu to the same position. The tussle also spread to the technical bench when Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu and Commissioner for Sports Nwaobilor Ananaba unveiled Cameroonian coach Emmanuel Deutsch to lead the club.
The power struggle has resurfaced this season, with Kanu and Eke, as well as some members of the Abia State Government cabinet, at loggerheads over the leadership of the club. Eke stormed the training ground with police officers and arrested some officials on Monday, disrupting their training session. This was allegedly in retaliation for an attack on him by some men associated with the club on Sunday.
Kanu's rallying call comes as Enyimba prepares to face Sporting Lagos, a game that could provide a much-needed boost to the team's morale. The team's leadership crisis has affected their performance on the field, with the team struggling to find their footing in the new season. Fans will be hoping that Kanu's message will inspire a turnaround in fortunes.
The outcome of Wednesday's game will be crucial in determining Enyimba's trajectory this season. A win could provide the team with the momentum they need to move up the league table and silence their critics. With Kanu's leadership and the fans' support, Enyimba may yet turn their season around.
Key points
- Enyimba chairman Nwankwo Kanu urges fans to remain behind team amid crisis
- Team currently winless in three games and at the bottom of NPFL table
- Kanu believes a win against Sporting Lagos could spark a turnaround in fortunes
