By Johnson Lekwauwa
Ordinarily, I would not dabble into issues driven by sentiments, selfish interests or hidden agendas. But as a true son of Abia State, a seasoned supporter of Enyimba FC, and someone with a fair understanding of football administration, silence at this point would amount to complicity.
Enough is enough.
Let it be said clearly and loudly: Kanu Nwankwo does not deserve the avalanche of attacks currently being thrown at him and the Enyimba FC management.
*Who exactly is Kanu Nwankwo?*
This is not just any administrator parachuted into football. This is a global football icon, a man who gave Nigerians unforgettable joy on the pitch, won laurels for the country, and earned respect worldwide. A former African Footballer of the Year. An NFF, CAF and FIFA Ambassador. A name that still opens doors in world football.
Yes, he is relatively new to football administration — and so what?
No administrator was born one. Not even FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Every successful football executive learned on the job, made mistakes, adapted, and improved. Administration is a process, not magic.
*Let us deal with facts, not emotions* .
In his first season, Enyimba competed on the continent against some of Africa’s most established and financially stable clubs.
He didn’t win the AFL, does that suddenly make him incompetent?
In his second season, verifiable facts show Enyimba were strong contenders for the league before political and extraneous factors crept in.
Under his watch, Enyimba reached the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, a feat many conveniently ignore.
So what exactly is his crime?
That Enyimba is passing through a difficult phase?
Let us be honest with ourselves: Is it Enyimba’s birthright to win every match and every trophy?
Even global giants, Barcelona, Manchester United, AC Milan among others have endured bad runs, rebuilt, and bounced back. Football is cyclical.
When Enyimba win, these critics disappear into hiding.
When results dip slightly, they re-emerge like vultures calling for heads, spreading half truths, and fanning unrest.
*Let us ask the hard questions they are afraid of* ;
What are the personal interests behind these attacks?
If you believe you can manage Enyimba better, where is your record?
Which club, even a village team, have you successfully administered?
Where are the other Nigerian clubs that represented us on the continent last season?
Did they all suddenly become failures too?
Football administration is not Twitter analysis or beer-parlour criticism.
It requires patience, structure, and institutional backing.
*Unpaid Bonuses and Allowances;*
Is that challenge peculiar to Enyimba alone in Nigerian football? Has anyone genuinely tried to understand the context, or is it just another tool for blackmail and sabotage?
Let us stop deceiving ourselves.
Some of these attacks have nothing to do with Enyimba. They are about greed, denied access, lost racketeering opportunities, and personal egos bruised because certain people are no longer near the corridors of power.
Worst of all, some so-called supporters are actively sabotaging the team simply because they are not part of the current management. That is dangerous, shameful, and anti-Enyimba.
Kanu Nwankwo was appointed under the directive of the Governor of Abia State to rebuild, reposition and institutionalize Enyimba FC.
He deserves the space, support, and conducive environment to work, not constant distractions, back-biting and coordinated attacks.
Criticism is healthy. Witch-hunting is not.
Let those shouting the loudest first publish their CVs.
Let them show us their achievements in football administration.
Talking about football is easy, administering it is the real test.
To those behind this pull him down campaign, slow down.
To those using Enyimba as a tool for personal aggrandizement, step aside.
To genuine supporters, stay focused and prayerful.
Enyimba FC will rise again.
And when that happens, history will remember who stood firm, and who tried to pull the house down.
Allow Kanu Nwankwo to walk the rope.
Allow Enyimba to rebuild.
The pride of Abia will surely roar again. 🐘💙
