Drama at Enyimba: Deji Ayeni Sacked Less Than a Month Into Tenure as State Government Appoints New Coach
Drama continues at Enyimba International FC, as former Crown FC coach Deji Ayeni has been sacked after just three competitive matches and less than a month in charge. The announcement came directly from the Abia State Government, adding a dramatic twist to the saga.
As of this report, Ayeni was still travelling back from Enyimba’s 2–0 defeat to Niger Tornadoes when the government announcement was made early Sunday morning. The timing has sparked debate, as the decision bypassed the Kanu Nwankwo-led Enyimba FC management, which has not made 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 failed to meet expectations, leaving the club in urgent need of a turnaround.
According to a press release signed by Prince Okey Kanu, Hon. Commissioner for Information, the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. 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 read.
Describing Enyimba as “Nigeria’s most decorated football club and one of Abia State’s most prominent sporting brands across Africa,” the statement added 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.
With this dramatic intervention from the state government, Enyimba faces a critical period of adjustment.
