Good morning, Beautiful People.
I say that because I believe it. My mum always said love sees the best in others. So, if you aren’t truly a beautiful person at heart, this is the perfect moment to begin making changes. Imbibe virtues like love, compassion, kindness, and grace. Love profusely and be willing to help others. That’s what makes a beautiful heart.
This week was quite intense for us on many fronts. We started with news that the good old war horse will continue at the helm at Enyimba. Then we raised issues about injured players being abandoned. I dare say that ruffled a few feathers and today’s blog feels like a response of sorts from the club.
An individual, whose identity I am unable to disclose, shared the following thoughts:
“I read your post some days ago about injured players being abandoned and asked to go treat themselves. Please, I work at Enyimba FC. I can clear a few of these misinformation and misunderstandings to the best of my knowledge.
Asibe wasn’t abandoned. He received treatment from the time he got injured in Uyo, until his knee was put in a cast. From then, through cast removal, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation—this went on until the end of the season.
Ozoemena was playing with a certain degree of discomfort, but the goalkeeping department was stretched thin due to injuries, so he kept on.
Pinto’s case was more administrative. It required examination and possibly treatment outside our facilities, and the department couldn’t sanction that move without approval from the club hierarchy.
Unlike other NPFL clubs I know of, Enyimba doesn’t abandon our injured or suspended players. Ask Oladapo, his ban was entirely of his own making, but our department, and by extension the club, stood by him and even facilitated a reduction in his sentence.
In fact, ex-players have been abandoned by their current employers and returned to us for treatment before moving on.
And before it got to that point, Pinto was still receiving treatment from the team doctor—until he reportedly left the camp in protest because the club had sanctioned Ihemekwele’s surgery on his fractured foot.
The players may not always be generous with the truth—only telling it as it suits them. But what I’ve shared is the truth, as much as I know.”
Strong words, ones that seem to vindicate the club regarding what we shared a few days ago. However, would you bet against anyone whose salary is paid by the same club? It all sounds very academic, and I’ll accept only a little of it.
A few days ago, ThatEnyimbaFan made a donation toward Pinto’s surgery which supports the players’ version of events. Clearly, the club can do better. A happy playing staff means success becomes far more achievable.
This administration has been throwing the word “Professional” around quite a lot. It’s high time it was properly defined and displayed. .
Dear Enyimba, we need to see signs that you’re truly on a journey toward professionalism. Can we hope for this?
Back tomorrow.
‘EnyimbaEnyi
