The Faces Have Changed, But Will the Standards Hold?

Images of Enyimba players training on the grass and playing tune-up games under the watchful eye of Head Coach Stanley Eguma warmed a few hearts this week.

After over two months of an end-of-season break filled with gloomy reports of massive player exits and administrative stumbles, fans finally got something positive — photos of players being put through their paces in preparation for the new domestic campaign.

Although most faces in camp are unfamiliar, what truly matters is that they are being prepared to wear the badge and defend the colours of the club. I had the rare chance to see the team sheet from one of the tune-up games. What I saw was a nearly brand new squad. Out of twenty-two names, only five were familiar — four from last season and one returning veteran, a fan favourite. This level of turnover ranks among the biggest squad clear-outs the club has experienced in the last twenty-five years.

Now, a massive overhaul can sometimes signal a club’s intent to rebuild strategically — to build a stronger, more competitive team capable of chasing honours. But when the incoming players seem to fall short of the outgoing ones in quality, it can be a sign of lowered standards and reduced ambition. From chasing titles to simply showing up.

Here is a brief look back at some seasons where major squad overhauls occurred — and how they turned out:

2005 SEASON
After successfully defending the CAF Champions League title in 2004, Enyimba lost about twenty-three players from the thirty-man squad. Only seven players from the back-to-back winning side remained to provide continuity and institutional memory.

However, the club managed the transition expertly, without compromising sporting goals or fan expectations.

When first-choice goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama departed, the club responded by signing Enugu Rangers’ number one, Sam Okoye, and Lobi Stars’ top keeper, John Gaadi. The exits of Obinna Nwaneri, Jerome Ezeoba, and Uga Opara in central defence were met with the arrivals of Julius Berger’s Uche Sheriff, Lobi’s Odey Ogar, and the towering Nojeem Raji. Shooting Stars’ flying full-back replaced Ajibade Omolade at left-back. Chidozie Johnson, a goal-scoring midfielder from Wikki Tourists, took over from Onyekachi Okonkwo. Upfront, Emeka Akwueme and Atanda Sakibu filled the boots of Emeka Nwana and Ndidi Anumunu.

Outcome:
CAF Super Cup winner, domestic league and cup double, and a respectable group-stage outing in the CAF Champions League.

2017 SEASON
At the end of 2016, the club saw a surprising exodus of about eighteen players, led by captain Chinedu Udoji and his central defensive partner Emmanuel Anyanwu. While many fans were caught off guard, those familiar with behind-the-scenes issues saw it coming.

Still, the transfer window was handled fairly well.

Femi Thomas’ departure was balanced by the signing of Ghanaian international Fatau Dauda. The exits of Udoji, Anyanwu, and ThankGod Ike were addressed with the arrivals of Samson Gbadebo from Nasarawa United, Isiaka Oladuntoye from Sunshine Stars, and Nelson Ogbonnaya from Heartland. The new trio even inherited the same shirt numbers as the outgoing defenders — 26, 14, and 24 respectively. Idris Aloma and Ugwu Uwadiegwu also left, paving the way for Udo Ikouwem’s promotion to challenge Chima Akas at left-back.

Solomon Okpako came in from Warri Wolves to reinforce the midfield after the exits of Kamal Sikiru and Razak Aliyu. In attack, Stanley Dimgba arrived from Sunshine Stars to fill the wide role left by Daniel Etor, while Ibrahim Mustapha and Chinedu Ohanachom of El Kanemi Warriors replaced Christian Pyagbara and Peter Onyekachi.

Outcome:
Third-place finish in the NPFL, securing a continental ticket.

ENTER 2025–2026 SEASON
Once again, the squad has been torn apart. Key players have left in numbers. That in itself is not new. The concern this time lies in the quality of those replacing them. Compared to previous eras, the recruitment appears underwhelming, and for many, signals a drop in standards.

The jury is out on this season’s transfer decisions and the broader policy direction. While the final verdict will be clear at the end of the season, an early review places this window among the top three most dramatic squad overhauls in the last twenty years.

All eyes are on the outcome now. It is only a matter of time.

‘EnyimbaEnyi