MARGARET CHIDERA
Kanu Nwankwo has been named the new Chairman of the Board of Enyimba Football Club following the dissolution of the Felix Agwu-led board.
This new development has created palpable disquiet and uncertainty, which appears to have enveloped the camp of the champions of 2023 Nigerian Professional League.
This is even as the new chairman, Kanu Nwankwo, has embarked on the recruitment of some capable players ahead of the team’s quest for a third Champions League trophy, a competition which will soon start.
However, sources have revealed that the effects of the change of baton have been reverberating and taking its toll on the team, especially the players whose morale is said to have been negatively affected.
Other staffers and officials of the peoples Elephant, particularly those who owe their appointments and offices to the Anyansi led management, are also believed to be worried about what the future holds for them.
An impeccable source told our reporter over the weekend that the regime change at the club has greatly dampened the morale of most of the players, following the exit of Anyansi.
The source added that the results so far posted by the league champions at the ongoing Super 8 competition in Lagos is an eloquent testimony to how low the morale of the players is.
The source said, “In the first match with Remo Stars, Enyimba lost 1-2 and drew the second one 0-0 with the Lagos team. What these results mean is that Enyimba will be exiting the tournament should they fail to beat their next opponent – Katsina United.
“The problem now is that throughout Anyansi’s tenure, he never allowed any input from all the 8 Directors of the club in players recruitment. Recruitment of players was solely handled by him, assisted only by the Sporting Director, Jude Anyadiufu.
“The result was that all the players were more loyal and attached to him than any official, including even the coach. Now that he is gone, the players are not sure of their fate under the new arrangement, and it is affecting their performances at the Lagos tournament.
“Same goes for others, particularly staff and officials that were equally recruited by the former management.”
Although, Kanu Nwankwo and his team are yet to be officially unveiled at the club, Daily Times gathered that the former Arsenal and Ajax player has been busy trying to make good use of the time remaining of the current transfer window to beef up the squad in preparations for the upcoming football season.
It has been revealed that the new manager is targeting no few than 10 quality players to assist in the prosecution of the Champions League competition.
A source said, “Contrary to earlier fears expressed by some people that the coach may not be comfortable working with his junior in the Super Eagles as the chairman, I can tell you that Finidi is relishing the prospect of working with Kanu.
He is not perturbed. So long as the terms of his contract are respected, he sees the partnership as an all-conquering one”.
