By Chigozie Chukwuleta
Enyimba Football Club has denied allegations of unproductive attitude and managerial absenteeism, describing the claims as “false, malicious, and deliberately misleading.”
The club’s management, led by Chairman Ambassador Nwankwo Kanu, reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and success.
The club highlighted its achievements under Kanu’s leadership, including finishing third in the NPFL, qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup, and helping Nigeria retain its continental slot.
Enyimba FC also addressed outstanding player bonuses, stating that management intends to settle all obligations once funds are accessed. The club urged fans and stakeholders to disregard the “false and misleading report.”
The Press Release read:
PRESS RELEASE
Enyimba FC Debunks Malicious Report, Reaffirms Commitment To Transparency, Professionalism & Success
Enyimba Football Club has described it as false, malicious and deliberately misleading a recent write-up alleging unproductive attitude within the club and calling for a reconstitution of its management.
Ordinarily, the People’s Elephant would have ignored such an elementary and ill-informed publication, but the need to protect the integrity of the club, its leadership and its numerous stakeholders has made it imperative to set the records straight.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Chairman of Enyimba FC, Ambassador Nwankwo Kanu, and his management have neither been involved in any rancour nor absconded from their responsibilities. At no point has the club experienced the internal crisis being mischievously painted by the writer, who clearly lacks knowledge of the true state of affairs at the Aba giants.
It is both disheartening and worrisome that some individuals, in blatant disregard for the ethics of journalism, continue to fabricate stories against organisations without the most basic step of reaching out to the club’s management or Media Department for verification.
Such conduct undermines professionalism and misleads the public.
FACTS THE PUBLIC MUST KNOW
Track Record of Performance
Under the leadership of Ambassador Nwankwo Kanu, Enyimba FC finished 3rd in the NPFL in his first season, qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup, reached the group stage, and in the process helped Nigeria retain its continental slot—an achievement that speaks volumes of purposeful leadership and sound administration.
Players’ Welfare:
Like several clubs within Nigeria and globally, there are outstanding bonuses and some players’ entitlements. Management has never denied this and has already expressed clear intentions to offset all obligations as soon as funds are accessed. Enyimba FC remains committed to players’ welfare and has consistently acted in good faith.
Selective Criticism And Double Standards:
It is curious how the club attracts harsh criticism after a defeat, yet receives little or no acknowledgment during extended unbeaten runs of eight to nine games, periods when Enyimba topped the NPFL table this season. Football, by nature, comes with highs and low, even global giants like Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester City experience setbacks and bounce back stronger. Enyimba FC is no different and will always rise.
Current League Position
With the club currently 9th on the table and over 20 matches still to play, Enyimba FC remains firmly in contention for the league title and continental qualification, just like other ambitious clubs.
False Claim on Team Manager:
The allegation that Enyimba’s Team Manager absconded from duty is entirely false and baseless. He only travelled abroad for medical treatment and is recuperating well, expected to resume duties soon. This reckless claim further exposes the lack of due diligence by the writer.
Recruitment and Technical Decisions:
Player recruitment and technical matters are handled by the Sporting Director, in line with global best practices, and duly approved by management. The club is proud of its squad and, like all big teams, will continue to strengthen where necessary in pursuit of excellence.
OUR POSITION:
Enyimba FC Management has always operated with transparency, professionalism and the best interests of the players and club at heart, while remaining open to improvement to drive greater performance.
We are therefore convinced that the said publication is the handiwork of disgruntled elements and enemies of transparency, bent on dragging the image of the club into disrepute.
We urge our fans, supporters, stakeholders and partners to disregard the false and misleading report. All official positions of Enyimba FC will always be communicated through our verified platforms or via duly signed press releases from the club’s Media Department.
The People’s Elephant remain focused, united and determined to bounce back stronger.
People’s Elephant – Pride of Nigeria
Enyimba FC Media Department
