Enyimba Set to Hand Reins to Deji Ayeni as Search for Technical Stability Ends

The wait is almost over for the supporters of Nigeria’s most decorated football club, as Enyimba FC prepares to turn a new page in their illustrious history. Sources close to the Aba giants have confirmed that the nine-time Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions are set to officially unveil Deji Ayeni as their new technical adviser early next week. The move signals a definitive shift in leadership at the Enyimba International Stadium, aimed at salvaging a season that has been uncharacteristically turbulent for the “People’s Elephant.”

This high-profile appointment follows a period of significant uncertainty within the technical bench. The club took the drastic step of suspending the veteran Stanley Eguma back in November, citing a string of poor results that had seen the team slip away from the title-chasing pack. Since Eguma’s exit, Lawrence Ukaegbu has steered the ship in an interim capacity, but the management has been clear about their desire for a long-term tactical architect to lead the charge into the second stanza of the 2025/26 campaign.

Deji Ayeni, at 53, arrives in Aba with a reputation for tactical flexibility and a deep understanding of the Nigerian footballing landscape. His most recent stint was with the Nigeria National League (NNL) side Crown FC of Ogbomosho, where his work attracted the attention of several top-flight clubs. However, it is his previous experience in the NPFL with heavyweights like Sunshine Stars and Akwa United that likely made him the preferred candidate for the Enyimba hierarchy, who are under immense pressure to deliver silverware.

The task ahead for Ayeni is far from simple. Enyimba is a club where anything less than a continental ticket is viewed as a failure, and the expectations from the fans in Aba are notoriously high. The new technical adviser will be expected to immediately instill a winning mentality and tighten a defense that has appeared uncharacteristically porous in recent fixtures. Ayeni’s primary objective will be to maximize the potential of a talented but seemingly disjointed squad as they prepare for the second half of the league season.

During his time at Akwa United, Ayeni was praised for his ability to integrate young talent with experienced campaigners, a trait that aligns perfectly with Enyimba’s current squad profile. The club’s management believes that his arrival will provide the “tactical spark” needed to bridge the gap between them and the current league leaders. With the January transfer window approaching, Ayeni is also expected to have a significant say in squad reinforcements to ensure the team is balanced for the final push.

For Lawrence Ukaegbu, the transition back to a supporting role or a specialized coaching position comes after a steadying of the waters. While the interim manager managed to keep the team competitive, the consensus among the board was that a permanent figurehead was needed to provide a clear long-term philosophy. Ayeni’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to restore the fear factor that has traditionally made the Enyimba International Stadium a fortress for the two-time African champions.

The timing of the announcement next week is strategic, allowing Ayeni a brief window to assess his players during training sessions before the league enters its most grueling phase. The second stanza of the NPFL is often where titles are won or lost, and Enyimba is banking on Ayeni’s experience to navigate the high-pressure environment of away trips to the North and the South-South. His track record of picking up points on the road will be particularly scrutinized by a fan base that expects dominance regardless of the venue.

As the official unveiling draws closer, the buzz in Aba is palpable. Fans are eager to hear the new coach’s vision for the club and how he intends to restore the “People’s Elephant” to their perch at the summit of Nigerian football. For Ayeni, this represents the biggest challenge of his career to date—a chance to cement his legacy by leading Nigeria’s most successful club back to the glory days of continental and domestic dominance.