Former Super Eagles defender and current Anambra State FA Chairman, Chikelue Iloenyosi, has come out strongly in defence of Nwankwo Kanu, insisting that the Enyimba FC chairman should not be blamed for the club’s recent dip in form.
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With pressure mounting following a run of inconsistent results, including disappointing home performances, Iloenyosi urged stakeholders to prioritise unity, experience, and institutional backing, rather than scapegoating the club’s leadership.
“Kanu is an administrator now. He is no longer a football player,” Iloenyosi stated firmly.
“He is not the coach and not the technical director. His responsibility is to ensure Enyimba moves to the next level in Nigerian and African football.”
Recruitment, Not Administration, the Core Issue
According to Iloenyosi, Enyimba’s struggles are rooted primarily in player recruitment, not leadership failure at board level.
“It is about the recruitment of players. They did not get the right players, and that is why they are losing matches, even at home,” he said.
He cautioned against internal criticism and emotional reactions, stressing that success in football is built on cooperation and long-term planning rather than division.
“Consult Felix Anyasi-Agwu and Jude Anyadufu”
In a strong recommendation, Iloenyosi called on Enyimba’s leadership to seek guidance from experienced former administrators, notably Felix Anyasi-Agwu and Jude Anyadufu, both of whom played key roles during the club’s most successful eras.
“These are people who understand Enyimba inside out,” he said.
“Anyasi-Agwu is a guru in Nigerian league football. The same applies to Jude Anyadufu. Their experience is invaluable and should not be ignored.”
Appeal to Abia State Sports Authorities
Iloenyosi also issued a direct call to the Abia State Sports Commission and other stakeholders to fully support Kanu in his role.
“When Kanu succeeds, Abia State succeeds. Enyimba is the pride of Abia,” he emphasized.
“All stakeholders must come together, identify the problems, and fix them collectively.”
Stability Over Sentiment
Addressing broader debates about former players in administrative roles, Iloenyosi argued that ex-internationals bring global exposure and valuable insight — provided they are supported with the right structures.
“Kanu is not the problem,” he concluded.
“Support him. Hold meetings. Get the right players. Put the right systems in place. That is the solution.”
As Enyimba FC navigate a challenging phase, Iloenyosi’s intervention reinforces a clear message: stability, experience, and unity, not blame, are essential to restoring the Aba giants to their rightful place at the top of Nigerian football.
