Nigeria Premier Football League giants Enyimba FC are poised to appoint Deji Ayeni as their new technical adviser, with an official unveiling expected next week ahead of the second stanza of the 2025/26 NPFL season. Ayeni will take over from the interim management of Lawrence Ukaegbu, who has been in charge since the suspension of former technical adviser Stanley Eguma following a poor run of form.
The 53 year old coach who has previously managed clubs such as Sunshine Stars, Akwa United and most recently Crown FC in the Nigeria National League arrives with the task of reversing Enyimba’s fortunes and stabilising the nine time league champions. The People’s Elephant will aim to start strong under Ayeni’s leadership as they prepare for upcoming NPFL fixtures.
Editorial
Every football institution, however storied, eventually faces a crossroads where inertia gives way to change. For Enyimba FC of Aba, the decision to bring in Deji Ayeni as the new technical adviser is precisely that kind of pivot a calculated acknowledgment that the club’s legacy must be preserved through renewal as much as tradition.
Enyimba’s identity is steeped in success multiple NPFL titles and a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most formidable sides. Yet in recent weeks, a dip in form exposed vulnerabilities that even the proudest laurels cannot conceal. The suspension of Stanley Eguma, while difficult, was necessary football at this level demands results as much as resonance. Into this charged environment, Ayeni arrives not merely as a caretaker but as a steward of confidence and continuity.
At 53, Ayeni brings a wealth of domestic experience. His previous stints with Sunshine Stars and Akwa United and his more recent work with Crown FC suggest a manager attuned to the rhythms of Nigerian football its tactical nuances, its physical demands, and, perhaps most crucially, its psychological landscapes. The NPFL is unforgiving, and the ability to galvanise a squad through adversity is as important as any tactical formation he might choose.
In appointing Ayeni, Enyimba’s leadership is sending a clear message this club is not afraid to act when ambitions falter. The managerial shuffle is not an indictment of potential but an assertion of intent that the People’s Elephant will not simply endure temporary setbacks, but confront them head-on with proven stewardship.
Enyimba’s faithful supporters in Aba and beyond will hope this new chapter is marked by consistency, clarity and a return to the relentless pursuit of honours that has long defined the club. In a league as competitive as the NPFL, managerial acumen and timing matter. With Ayeni at the helm, the People’s Elephant have signalled that they are ready to roar once more.
Did You Know?
- Experienced NPFL Hand Deji Ayeni has previously managed Sunshine Stars and Akwa United, bringing significant domestic coaching experience to Enyimba.
- Interim Leadership Before Ayeni’s appointment, Lawrence Ukaegbu had been serving as interim boss following the suspension of Stanley Eguma due to poor results.
- Crown FC Tenure Ayeni’s most recent managerial role was with Crown FC of Ogbomosho in the Nigeria National League, showcasing his familiarity with different tiers of Nigerian football.
- Second Stanza Focus Ayeni’s appointment is timed to take effect from the second half of the 2025/26 NPFL season, giving him crucial preparation time ahead of key fixtures.
- Pressure for Stability Enyimba’s decision to act now reflects the heightened expectations on elite NPFL sides to maintain momentum and avoid prolonged slumps during the campaign.
