Good Morning, Enyimba Fans,
When we launched this blog in 2014, it was majorly a place of joy, filled with lively player interviews and stories that sparked smiles. Writing here meant knowing our words would lift someone’s spirits. Those were the golden days, and I miss them deeply.
Now, as a new season dawns, we face the return of Stanley Eguma. The club has finalized terms, confirming he’ll stay on as coach. I bear no personal grudge against him; far from it. But it’s hard to ignore how far Enyimba has fallen, settling for a coach who feels like the best we can do. It’s a disheartening reality.
Just days ago, we reported no deal had been struck with Eguma, and I quietly hoped it would stay that way. When someone asked, “Who else could replace him?” it exposed our old habit of choosing the easy path. Kanu and Ekwueme have saddled us with a coaching crew that feels outdated, offering little fresh perspective.
While rival clubs embrace young, tactically sharp managers, we’re tethered to the old guard; not because Eguma is the only option, but because our scouting network lacks the ambition to find better. We’re told he’s all we’ve got, but that’s a convenient excuse.
This reality raises tough questions. First, with expectations already so low, how do we extract meaningful results from this setup? Eguma’s track record suggests a league title is a distant dream, especially with our characteristic poor performance away from home. So, what are our realistic goals?
Second, when the season falters, as it has before, who do we turn to? Will we cling to Eguma out of necessity, or is there a contingency plan? Are we simply waiting to face that crisis when it arrives?
Compounding the issue is the chaos in our player selection. Many “senior” players have left the club, over 40 players are on trial, with club factions pushing “their own” candidates, prioritizing personal agendas over talent and skill. The focus has shifted from building a competitive team to exploiting the Enyimba system for gain.
This isn’t just an Enyimba problem, it plagues clubs nationwide. But that’s the heart of the issue: Enyimba, once a cut above, now blends in with the rest. We can no longer claim to attract top talent. Even Abia Warriors, with three players in the national team, have outshone us.
So, here’s to you, Uncle Stanley. We wish you all the best this season. I have a feeling that we are going to need it.
Back in the morrow,
‘EnyimbaEnyi
