Mighty Jets FC head coach Ency Enie has opted for a cautious approach ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season, insisting that hard work and collective commitment, rather than ambitious promises, will determine the club's quest for a return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The experienced tactician, who spoke in an exclusive interview with SSI Media, said his immediate priority was to build a competitive team capable of restoring the Jos-based club's reputation in Nigerian football.
Enie, however, refused to guarantee promotion, stressing that football outcomes cannot be determined by promises but through dedication, discipline and performances on the pitch.
“Everything I do, I put God first. I am not the kind of coach who will come out and say I must carry Mighty Jets to promotion. God knows everything. All I want is to try my best to see if we can succeed by the special grace of God,” he said.
The coach disclosed that Mighty Jets would be his fourth NNL coaching assignment, adding that his experience across different clubs had prepared him for the challenge of managing one of Nigeria's historic football institutions.
Enie began his coaching career in 2000 after completing his training at the National Institute for Sports (NIS), initially working in women's football before moving into the men's game.
His coaching journey has included spells with Nembe City, Godosky FC and Adoration FC. He worked alongside John Aranka at Nembe City before taking on greater responsibilities.
He handled Nembe City in 2015, worked with Godosky FC around 2020 and joined Adoration FC in 2022 before securing the Mighty Jets appointment.
“This is not my first time leading a team. This is my fourth NNL coaching assignment,” he explained.
A major feature of his rebuilding strategy is the decision to place greater trust in young players, particularly those promoted from the club's feeder team.
Enie said his assessment of last season's performances convinced him that developing younger talents, alongside retaining players from the previous campaign, offered the best approach to building a competitive squad.
“When I looked at what happened last season, I decided the best thing was to start with the younger players from the feeder team and those who were with me last season.
“I have spoken with them and told them they can make it. They can play, and I believe in them,” he said.
The tactician, who recalled his playing days with Nipost FC, Jos, in 1999, said his experience as a young footballer had reinforced his belief in providing emerging talents with opportunities to establish themselves.
He added that the team's performances in preseason friendly matches had further strengthened his confidence in the young players' ability to compete at the NNL level.
Beyond the technical preparations, Enie acknowledged the importance of institutional support, commending Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the Mighty Jets management for their efforts to improve the club's operations.
He recognised the financial and administrative demands of running two major football clubs, Plateau United and Mighty Jets, describing the government's commitment as encouraging.
“It is not easy for a state to run two clubs, Plateau United and Mighty Jets. The governor is trying, and the management is also trying to put things in place,” he stated.
Mighty Jets, one of Nigeria's traditional football clubs, have spent several years outside the country's top division, with supporters eager to see the former giants reclaim their place among the elite.
For Enie, the rebuilding process will require patience, effective management, commitment from the players and sustained support from stakeholders.
While promotion remains the ultimate ambition, the coach believes the foundation for success must first be established through discipline, youth development and consistent performances throughout the 2026/2027 campaign.
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