23 years after, Enyimba FC will get a new chairman, Kanu Nwankwo to direct the affairs of the club after the government of Abia state announce a new chairman.
Former Nigerian international, Kanu Nwankwo will pilot the affairs of the club, stepping into the big shoes of Anyansi Agwu.
Kanu has some advantages but it depends on two critical areas: the people he surrounds himself with and his man management.
Kanu Nwankwo, His Name and Brand Enyimba
His name will open doors for him and he has some experience raising funds although that was mostly CSR, but it’s still an advantage that he can use to supply values and in return get sponsorship.
Will he rely on government funding? Will he seek collaboration instead of competing? Is it a business for him to cash out or is he interested in building the brand Enyimba?
He’ll have opportunities to excel because he is in charge of a premium brand that can be more beyond winning trophies.
Are we going to see him apply the lessons he learned from the failures of Papilo FC; partnership with Green spring, his Hotel business?. Are we getting the Kanu that started all over with KIFA?. He has the knife, the cake and the opportunity to make merry.
The Ajax Connection
At Enyimba, Kanu will be reuniting with former Nigerian national team and Ajax team mate, Finidi George.
Finidi is the current coach of Enyimba as he led them to the 9th NPFL title in the 2023 season.
Abia state Governor, Alex Otti also thinks the partnership should produce same success as it did at Ajax.
“Interestingly, I am aware of your relationship with the gaffer (coach) of the club, our own legendary and iconic ex-Super Eagles winger, Finidi George that dates back to your heydays in Ajax where you both conquered Europe and won domestic titles at the club level. We trust that this synergy and chemistry can be maximized and replicated in Enyimba, too.”
The Anyansi Shoes Almost Too Big to Fill
Before Kanu Nwankwo, Anyansi Agwu was the Chairman of the club, taking control in the 2000/2001 season.
In those years Anyansi won 36 trophies including a record Nine league, and two CAF champions league titles.
Anyansi enjoyed his early years with good support from former governor, Orji Uzor Kalu investing in the club.
In comparison, the last four years for Anyansi saw the opposite of his early years due to neglect from government and he managed it despite owing players wages for months.