The crisis at Enyimba International FC has deepened as the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) issued a formal warning letter to the club over the non-payment of match bonuses and allowances to players from the 2024/25 football season.
This comes amid an Athletic NG investigation revealing that the club under the leadership of chairman Nwankwo Kanu has failed to honour an agreement reached with several released players, who are owed millions of naira in unpaid salaries and bonuses.
The agreed settlement was reached through player representatives and acknowledged by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), but only one-third of the total payments has been made, with no further progress three months later.
Among the affected players are five key squad members: Alalibo Somiari, Ezeh Chidera, Nwaodu Chukwudi, Onyemaechi Austin, and Francis Odinaka all of whom parted ways with the club by mutual consent. Their unpaid entitlements span months of salaries.
Photo Credit: The Athletic NG Images
In a letter dated 24th July 2025, signed by NANPF Executive Secretary Comrade Austin Popo on behalf of the Players Board chaired by ex-international Abe Sunday, the union expressed deep concern over the issue citing public remarks made by Brown Ideye, who also alleged he had not received his bonuses.
“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 posted on Twitter.
The union’s letter addressed to the club chairman urged swift action to prevent further escalation and preserve Enyimba’s legacy:
“The union wants the management of the Club under your leadership to act very swiftly to offset the outstanding bonuses to forestall further escalation of the matter and save the club from the negative consequences associated with such negligence.”
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The letter also warned that failure to resolve the matter could result in the declaration of a trade dispute, thereby drawing wider attention to the issue within the labour and sporting sectors.
Image Credit: NANPF
A copy of the letter was also sent to the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress in Abia State.
This latest controversy adds to growing unrest among supporters, who have raised concerns about the club’s performance and management since the Abia State government removed long-time chairman Felix Anyasi-Agwu in 2023 and appointed Kanu in his place.
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Despite a 5th-place finish in the NPFL with 55 points, critics argue that Enyimba’s internal crisis including poor player welfare, delayed payments, and an alleged lack of strategic direction is undermining the team’s legacy.
