Kanu Nwankwo discusses Enyimba FC collaboration with Norwegian club
Enyimba International FC Chairman, Kanu Papilo Nwankwo, has shed light on the significance of the visit by officials from Norwegian Premier League club, Hamkam FC.
Addressing journalists shortly after Enyimba’s 1-0 league victory against Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan, in one of the NPFL match-day 20 encounters over the weekend, Kanu revealed that Hamkam FC officials are keen to partner with the People’s Elephant in youth football development.
“Yeah, they are officials from Hamkam FC, a premier league side in Norway, and they have come to collaborate with Enyimba on youth football development within our team,” Kanu said of his foreign guests.
“They came to watch the first team play today; they arrived since Friday, and we welcomed them at the Owerri International Airport. They are quite relaxed, having commenced training with the youth team this morning. The most important aspect is nurturing football talent, particularly among the youth. That’s why they are here.”
“Part of the benefits entails youth development, indicating they will train our youth teams from U-15 to U-17 and U-19 levels. If they identify talented players, they may even recruit them.”
“While some initiatives of this nature have encountered challenges in the past, anyone familiar with the current administration in Abia State under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, would understand our commitment to follow through with our promises.”
“Again, as Kanu Papilo, we back our words with actions. Their purpose here is to assess our infrastructure and the potential talent pool. So far, they are impressed with what they’ve observed.”
“We are ‘The People’s Elephant,’ a club of significance, and our appeal extends beyond borders. If we weren’t exceptional, they wouldn’t have come, and if Papilo wasn’t the Chairman, they wouldn’t have expressed interest,” elaborated the former Super Eagles skipper and Arsenal Legend.
Meanwhile, Enyimba FC continued their quest for an immediate return to continental competitions with a convincing double league victory against the Oluyele Warriors on Saturday.
The 9-time league champions affirmed their dominance over the Ibadan-based side, with Chijioke Obaoma finding the net midway through the first half, securing his 8th goal of the season.
Despite efforts to increase the goal margin, particularly in the second half, Gbenga Ogunbote’s side remained steadfast, with goalkeeper Okemute Odah repelling Enyimba’s attacks, as the champions took maximum points with a 1-0 result in Aba.
