ENYIMBA FC DRAMA CONTINUES: DANIEL EKE FIRES BACK AT KANU NWANKWO, INSISTS HE IS SPORTING DIRECTOR, REJECTS CHIEF SCOUTING OFFICER ROLE

Fresh controversy has erupted at Enyimba Football Club after Daniel Eke publicly rejected his reported promotion to Chief Scouting Officer, insisting he remains the club’s substantive Sporting Director following his appointment by the Abia State Government.

Eke’s reaction comes days after Enyimba FC Chairman and Nigerian football legend, Ambassador Kanu Nwankwo (MON), announced his elevation to the scouting role — a development earlier reported by National Concord as part of ongoing administrative reshuffling within the club’s hierarchy.

However, in a strongly worded rebuttal, Eke dismissed the announcement, maintaining that he was duly appointed Sporting Director on January 30, 2026, by Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, who oversees the club as its primary owner through the state government.

The latest disagreement has further exposed the growing power tussle within the Enyimba leadership structure, particularly between Chairman Kanu Nwankwo and Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, both of whom are believed to be influencing administrative decisions surrounding the club’s operations.

Eke argued that his appointment by the state government was part of a broader rescue mission aimed at restoring Enyimba’s technical and administrative stability, stressing that only the appointing authority has the constitutional power to alter or terminate his role.

According to him, any attempt by the club’s chairman to downgrade his position amounts to an overreach of authority and undermines the government-backed restructuring process designed to reposition the club.

He further questioned the rationale behind the reported promotion, noting that he was previously engaged in a scouting-related capacity but allegedly sidelined from performing his duties. He described the sudden reclassification of his position as contradictory, especially after the government entrusted him with broader technical oversight as Sporting Director.

The development adds another layer of tension within Enyimba, Nigeria’s most successful club, which has recently faced administrative uncertainty despite efforts by Chairman Kanu Nwankwo to reposition the People’s Elephant and reconnect with supporters.

Observers believe the unfolding leadership dispute could significantly impact the club’s ongoing rebuilding process, particularly as the Abia State Government continues to assert ownership authority while the club’s management structure seeks operational independence.

Despite the controversy, Eke reaffirmed his commitment to executing what he described as a government-mandated rescue mission aimed at stabilizing the club, restructuring its technical framework, and restoring Enyimba’s dominance in African football.

The situation remains fluid as stakeholders and supporters closely monitor developments surrounding the governance structure of the Aba-based football powerhouse.