21st November, 2012
Aba Elephants, Enyimba are set to recover lost ground after failing to make an impact last term.
Six domestic league titles (2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2010), two Nigerian Cup (2005, 2009) and two African titles (2003, 2004) in a decade made Enyimba a household name, not only in Nigeria but across the globe.
Enyimba became Nigeria’s most consistent team on the continent, but missed the chance to play in Africa in 2012 and is set for a second consecutive absence in the continent.
At the end of the last season, Enyimba finished out of the continental slots and had to manage internal disputes which erupted from their Cup exit.
Former Super Eagles coach and World Cup star, Austin Eguavoen, left the club after the Cup exit, while his assistant, Abdul Maikaba headed for Kano Pillars.
For club supremo, Felix Anyansi, the situation presents an opportunity to reorganise the club.
“Enyimba are a big club that are supposed to be in Africa. Our target is to ensure we return to Africa in 2014,” Anyansi said to supersport.com.
Anyansi told supersport.com that the immediate plan is to have a formidable squad that can compete for titles and avoid a repeat of the last two seasons.
“We retained 25 players from last season and have been able to bring some of the best to the club,” he told supersport.com.
For the first time the club has completely changed their coaching department as former Kano Pillars and Super Eagles assistant coach, Salisu Yusuf, has been contracted as head coach.
To assist Yusuf, the club has contacted former Warri Wolves coach, Paul Aigbogun, who moved to FC Cape Town, in South Africa and former Under17 goalkeeper, Imama Amakapabor.
“We’re confident that the coaching crew will achieve the objectives,” Anyansi said to supersport.com.
With the coaching department settled, Enyimba have been busy in the transfer market to boost their rooster.
Last season’s top scorer, Sibi Gwar, leads the new arrivals at the Aba side.
Gwar was linked to several clubs at home and abroad, but eventually settled for Enyimba.
Other new arrivals are Ukeyima Akombo, who played in the Caf Champions League with Sunshine Stars, former Akwa United goalkeeper Femi Thomas, Fidelis Saviour and League Bloggers Award Rookie of the Year, Andrew Abalogu.
Experienced campaigners like Rasheed Olabiyi, Paul Godwin, Ugwu Uwadiegwu, Uche Ndukwe and Nonso Okonkwo are still with the club.