2025/2026 NPFL Season: Turmoil at Enyimba as Ayeni is Sacked

Posted : 27 January 2026

Drama has erupted at the camp of Nigeria's most decorated football club, Enyimba International FC, as the club management allegedly announced the sack of newly recruited Technical Adviser and former Crown FC coach, Deji Ayeni, after just three competitive matches and less than a month in charge.

The announcement reportedly came directly from the Abia State Government, adding a dramatic twist to the saga.

The decision may be linked to the 0-2 defeat of the Peoples Elephant at the hands of Niger Tornadoes in Match Day 22 of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Ayeni was reportedly still traveling back from Minna when the government announced the termination of his appointment.

The timing has sparked debate, as the decision bypassed the Kanu Nwankwo-led Enyimba FC management, which has not issued any public comment on the matter.

Ayeni’s short tenure was turbulent. In addition to the 2–0 loss to Niger Tornadoes, the club drew 0–0 with Barau FC in Aba, suffered a 3–0 defeat to Shooting Stars, and lost a friendly against Akwa United. These results fell short of expectations, leaving the club in urgent need of a turnaround.

According to a press release signed by Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Information, the Executive Governor of Abia State, Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has approved the appointment of Coach Deutsch Detchoua Gustave Emmanuel as the new head coach of the nine-time Nigerian champions.

"The appointment of Coach Deutsch Detchoua Gustave Emmanuel is part of the strategic efforts to reinvigorate the technical direction of the club, strengthen its competitive edge, and lay a solid foundation for long-term success," the release stated.

Describing Enyimba as “Nigeria’s most decorated football club and one of Abia State’s most prominent sporting brands across Africa,” the statement noted that the club had “experienced a decline from its traditional standards of excellence” in recent times. Governor Otti expressed confidence that Deutsch’s “wealth of experience, technical competence, and professional discipline” would help restore Enyimba’s position as a dominant force in Nigerian and African football.

Deutsch, a highly experienced tactician with CAF A, B, and C licenses, has previously worked as Technical Adviser and Head Coach with clubs in Nigeria and Cameroon.

2025/2026 NPFL Season: Turmoil at Enyimba as Ayeni is Sacked

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