Tuesday’s article by Big Sam, titled “My All-Time Best Enyimba XI,” sparked some interesting reactions among Enyimba fans. It inspired a wave of responses and personal takes on who should make the club’s all-time eleven. Naturally, I caught the bug—and that led me to take on the incredibly difficult task of selecting the very best Enyimba XI from over 25 years of closely following the club.
Enyimba boasts a glittering history—not just in Nigeria, but across Africa. That success has only been made possible by the exceptional talents assembled in Aba over the years. With so many legendary players leaving indelible marks, choosing just eleven is as difficult as it is subjective. Some notable names have been left out, but I believe this XI stands strong on any day.
So, here we go.
🧠 Formation: 4–3–3
🧤 Goalkeeper – Dele Aiyenugba (2000–2007)
This was a tough call given the iconic presence of Vincent Enyeama. But Aiyenugba edges it for me—thanks to his longevity and sustained impact. From unseating Andrew Aikhomogbe to helping clinch the club’s first league title in 2001, and stepping up with penalty-saving heroics in the 2003 and 2004 CAFCL campaigns, Aiyenugba always answered the call. He later led the team through a transitional phase, culminating in a league and cup double in 2005, and one last league title in 2007.
Honours: NPFL (5), FA Cup (1), CAFCL (2), CAF Super Cup (2)
🛡️ Right Back – Yusuf Mohammed (2001–2005)
A winger turned full-back, Yusuf adapted seamlessly, becoming a fixture in the team. He offered width in attack and solidity in defense, making the position his own. His long-range goal against Simba (Tanzania) in Enyimba’s first-ever CAFCL group match at Aba remains iconic.
Honours: NPFL (3), FA Cup (1), CAFCL (2), CAF Super Cup (2)
🛡️ Left Back – Valentine Nwabili (2008–2011)
Elegant and technically gifted, Nwabili was as solid defensively as he was dangerous going forward. He starred in Enyimba’s 2011 CAFCL semifinal run, scoring 3 goals—including a stunning free-kick winner against Al Hilal in Sudan. That performance earned him a transfer to Al Hilal.
Honours: NPFL (1), FA Cup (1)
🔒 Centre Back – Obinna Nwaneri (2002–2004)
I first saw him partner Seyi Olajengbesi for Julius Berger in the 2002 FA Cup final and instantly hoped he’d join Enyimba. When he did, he became the bedrock of the defense. His strength, awareness, and leadership were crucial in our back-to-back CAFCL triumphs. He famously blasted home the winning penalty in the 2004 final shootout—an image forever etched in Enyimba’s folklore.
Honours: NPFL (1), CAFCL (2), CAF Super Cup (1)
🔒 Centre Back – Chinedu Udoji (2009–2016)
Udoji embodied the Enyimba spirit: fierce, fearless, and full of heart. Not the flashiest, but always dependable, he was a warrior in defense. He led the team to back-to-back Federation Cup wins in 2013 and 2014, and to a long-awaited league title in 2015. His brace against Wikki Tourists and the ensuing celebration remain unforgettable.
Honours: NPFL (2), Federation Cup (2)
🛡️ Defensive Midfield – Musa Aliyu (2002–2005)
Aliyu was the glue between defense and attack—a ball-winner with exceptional reading of the game. Tall, composed, and efficient, he bossed the 2004 CAFCL campaign from start to finish, playing every minute. He also calmly converted a penalty in the final. His role in the 2005 domestic double can’t be overstated.
Honours: NPFL (2), FA Cup (1), CAFCL (1), CAF Super Cup (2)
🎯 Central Midfield – Onyekachi Okonkwo (2001–2004)
A midfield maestro with a brilliant football brain. Whether deep or advanced, Tico ran the show with his passing, composure, and set-piece delivery. A fan favorite and local boy, he starred in both CAFCL campaigns and scored key goals in Abidjan. Even after leaving for Orlando Pirates, he was serenaded by Enyimba fans on his return to Aba—testament to his legendary status.
Honours: NPFL (2), CAFCL (2), CAF Super Cup (1)
🎨 Attacking Midfield – Muri Ogunbiyi (2002–2005)
Versatile, tireless, and technically superb, Ogunbiyi always delivered—whether wide or central. He scored in both CAFCL campaigns, including a goal in the 2004 final. He stayed post-title wins to help Enyimba reclaim domestic dominance. Later won the CAFCL again with Etoile Du Sahel in 2007.
Honours: NPFL (2), FA Cup (1), CAFCL (2), CAF Super Cup (2)
⚡ Left Wing – Mfon Udoh (2013–2018)
Udoh was a goal machine. His 23 goals in the 2013/14 NPFL season is still a record, and he topped the 2016 CAFCL scoring chart with 9, including a hat-trick vs Etoile. Injuries hampered his final seasons, but he still left with 50+ goals and the captain’s armband.
Honours: NPFL (1), Federation Cup (1)
⚡ Right Wing – Stephen Worgu (2008)
Yes, it was just one season—but what a season! Worgu was electric in 2008, scoring 13 goals in a single CAFCL campaign and terrorizing defenders across the continent. His pace, flair, and chemistry with Otorogu created one of the most lethal duos in club history.
Honours: CAFCL Golden Boot (2008)
🎯 Striker – Joetex Frimpong (2002–2005)
The ultimate CAFCL forward. Signed to lead the line in 2003, and he delivered. Scored 15 goals across three CAFCL seasons, including 6 in 2003, 1 in 2004, and 8 in 2005. Calm, efficient, and clinical—Frimpong was a true predator and Enyimba legend.
Honours: NPFL (2), FA Cup (1), CAFCL (2), CAF Super Cup (1)
👔 Coach – Kadiri Ikhana (2002–03, 2013–2015)
The first coach to lead a Nigerian team to CAF Champions League glory. Ikhana’s tactical nous and disciplined approach turned Enyimba into continental champions in 2003. Returned for a second spell to win the league again in 2015.
Honours: NPFL (2), Federation Cup (1), CAFCL (1)
🧢 Honourable Mentions:
Vincent Enyeama, Markson Ojobo, Okey Odita, Emmanuel Anyanwu, Ajibade Omolade, Rasheed Olabiyi, Kingsley Sokari, Austin Oladapo, Stanley Dimgba, Emeka “Ayaya” Nwanna, Uche Kalu.
So many more deserve mention, and narrowing it down was no easy feat. But these eleven, in my view, are the best I’ve seen in their respective positions over the years.
Just imagine the kind of unstoppable force they’d be if they’d all played together in their prime.
‘EnyimbaEnyi
