Enyimba International FC is once again at the centre of controversy, as an Athletic NG investigation reveals the club’s failure to honour a payment agreement reached with several former players following their release earlier this year.
The affected players, including five key squad members from the 2024/25 campaign club captain Alalibo Somiari, Ezeh Chidera, Nwaodu Chukwudi Justin, Onyemaechi Austin, and Francis Odinaka were let go by mutual consent but are still awaiting full payment of their outstanding salaries and bonuses.
According to our investigation the players escalated their grievances through their representatives to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), prompting an agreement in May for Enyimba to settle the arrears.
However, only a third of the agreed amounts has been paid, with millions of naira still outstanding three months later.
Athletic NG’s findings show that the unpaid sums include several months of salary. Some of the affected players are now without clubs, their careers disrupted due to the unresolved situation.
The crisis has unfolded under the leadership of club chairman Nwankwo Kanu, the Nigerian football legend who was appointed in 2023 by the Abia State Government.
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His appointment came after the removal of long-serving chairman Felix Anyasi-Agwu, in a move that was seen as a fresh start for the People’s Elephant.
However, more than a 2 years later, many fans believe the club’s fortunes have declined under Kanu’s stewardship.
Despite Enyimba finishing 5th in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League with 55 points, the club’s failure to meet contractual obligations and its ongoing welfare issues have raised concerns about leadership direction and management priorities.
The growing unrest gained further attention when former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye, who joined Enyimba mid-season and scored five goals in all competitions, took to social media to call out the club.
“Because I get money I should not ask for the one I work for? Please pay me and the players last season match bonuses… @EnyimbaFC. The season ended in May, till now nothing. New season will start next month,” Ideye wrote.
He had earlier criticised the club for reportedly giving players just ₦7,000 for daily feeding during away games, highlighting deeper issues in how the former continental champions treat their personnel.
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Enyimba, winners of nine NPFL titles and two CAF Champions League crowns, now risk losing their reputation as a model club in Nigerian football unless urgent reforms are implemented to restore trust and accountability.
Athletic NG Investigations will continue monitoring the situation for updates from the NFF and Enyimba FC.
