By all standards, the 2024/2025 NPFL season was one Enyimba FC would rather forget. A club synonymous with success in Nigerian football, the People’s Elephant failed to roar this past campaign and two ardent fans and sports journalists, Presh the sports Diva and Bethel, are not shying away from asking the hard questions.
In a passionate and critical analysis of the previous NPFL season posted on SPORTS DIVA YOUTUBE CHANNEL, the duo dissected the club’s failings and explored what needs to happen for Enyimba to reclaim its spot among Nigeria’s footballing elite in the new season starting soon.
Recruitment Blunders and Internal Cracks
At the heart of the conversation was Enyimba’s questionable recruitment strategy. According to both analysts, the squad assembled didn’t match the pedigree of a team that should be setting the pace in the NPFL.
“This is Enyimba, It’s the biggest club in the land. Every top player in the NPFL should want to play here. But the players we signed weren’t the best of the best,we all saw it.” Bethel stressed
Their transfer approach, especially in the mid-season window, was described as “emergency signing” territory rushed, reactive, and largely ineffective. The lack of a clear vision in player selection was compounded by internal issues. Player welfare, an often-overlooked aspect of club management, played a role in the team’s poor morale and underperformance.
“When players are unhappy off the pitch, it shows on the pitch, highlighting the need for a more professional and supportive environment behind the scenes”. Presh added
Home Form Collapse and Lost Fortress
According to the duo One of the most alarming stats from Enyimba’s campaign was their inability to win at home. The team recorded nine home draws, a statistic that would spell doom for any club with continental ambitions.
“In the NPFL, your home is your fortress, If you’re not winning at home, you’re simply not competing. The fans were never truly happy last season, not in the league, not in CAF competitions.”Bethel explained.
Presh future stressed that Failing to capitalize on home advantage not only dashed their title hopes but also knocked them out of the race for CAF qualification, a minimum expectation for a club of Enyimba’s caliber.
From Yemi to Eguma: A Tale of Two Coaches
According to both seasoned sports journalists, Enyimba’s fc last season also saw a change in the dugout. Yemi Olayewaju, the man who started the campaign, was ultimately replaced after a string of uninspiring performances and a record of underachievement.
“He gave his best, But his best wasn’t good enough for a club like Enyimba. Too many home draws, too little tactical spark.” Presh acknowledged
The club turned to Stanley Eguma, a seasoned campaigner with a title-winning pedigree at Rivers United. While results were still mixed, his presence brought a degree of calm and structure.
“There was a breath of fresh air with Eguma, He inherited a broken squad, but at least we started to see some identity. He might not have delivered miracles, but there was a visible improvement” Bethel stated.
Now, that the club’s management has decided to keep Stanley Eguma and has reported signed some players even though they lost some also , the management and the players has a task ahead of them in the next season.
A Crucial Season Ahead
With two years remaining in the current management cycle, this season is nothing short of make-or-break. Expectations are crystal clear: fix recruitment, address internal issues, win home games, and return to the continent.
“Enyimba isn’t just another NPFL club, “You either win the league or, at the very least, qualify for the CAF competitions. The fans won’t accept anything less.” According to Presh
The duo believes that if lessons from last season are properly absorbed, Enyimba can turn things around. But the room for error is gone.
The Final Word
Presh and Bethel’s deep-rooted connection to Enyimba shines through in every word. Their frustration is only matched by their hope. Hope that this new season will bring smarter decisions, hungrier players, and a club that plays like champions again.
As the curtain rises on another NPFL campaign, one thing is certain, the spotlight will remain firmly on Aba. And if Enyimba fails to roar again, there will be more than enough voices like Presh and Bethel’s, ready to hold them accountable.
“This is Enyimba, This club is built to compete, not to settle.” Bethel reminded
What do you think went wrong for Enyimba FC last season? What changes are most urgent heading into the new campaign?
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