Enyimba Football Club are the defending champions of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) going into the 2023/24 season.
They are commonly referred to as Enyimba, which means ‘The People's Elephants' in Igbo language (one of the major tribal languages in the country).
The football club was founded in 1976, and gained pupularity within and outside the shores of Nigeria in the 2000s.
Enyimba is by far considered as the most successful Nigerian football club having reigned supreme on two occasions in the CAF Champions League, won nine NPFL titles, and four FA Cups since 2001.
The People's Elephants are looking to dominate the Nigeria domestic football space once more after clinching their ninth league title over closest challengers Remo Stars and Rivers United who both lost out on the prize on inferior goal-difference last campaign.
With an experienced manager, and chairman in the persons of revered Super Eagles icons Finidi George and Nwankwo Kanu manning the affairs of the club, the future looks really bright for the Aba based outfit, who also will be representing Nigeria in the 2023/24 CAF Champions League.
Enyimba home stadium
The People's Elephants play their home games at the Enyimba International Stadium located in the city of Aba, Abia State, Nigeria.
The stadium has a capacity of 16,000 people following renovations in 2018, and is a home ground that is tough for visiting teams in the NPFL.
Manager – Finidi George
Respected Nigerian ex-international Finidi George, took over the helm of affairs at Enyimba FC in September 2021
He guided them to a third-placed finish in Group A of the 2022/23 abridged league season, to qualify for a place in the Super 6 Championship round that was held in the city of Lagos.
He won his first title as a manager on the 11th of June 2023, as his side emerged winners of the five-round title-deciding playoffs on goal difference.
Enyimba players
Goalkeepers
Olorunleke Ojo, John Noble Barinyima, Sabirou Bassa-Djeri
Defenders
Yakubu Bilal, Pascal Eze, Ndita Okechukwu, Imo Obot, Asuquo Uwana, Somiari Alalibo, Chigozie Chileku
Midfielders
Edem Ini, Nzondiegwu Nonso, Akanni Elijah, Chijioke Mbaoma, Oronsaye James, Ikenna Cooper, Tijani Kabiru, Chibuike Nwaiwu
Forwards
Awaziem Ekene, Joseph Atule, Abubakar Adamu, Ekwutoziam Eze, Chisom Okereke, Eriugo Adiele
Enyimba players salary
We don't have information of the salary of Enyimba players at the time of writing, but it is believed that Enyimba players earn a minimum monthly salary of ₦250,000
Enyimba latest news
Enyimba visit hospitals in the spirit of the season
Christmas is in the air and Enyimba is already in the spirit of the season. The People’s Elephant decided to give back to the people as they celebrate the season.
Under the auspices of the Enyimba FC Foundation in collaboration with the Kanu Heart Foundation, the entire Enyimba FC team led by the chairman alongside members of the technical crew, board members, staff and players visited the St. Anthony’s Hospital, Aba.
It was a one-day visit that saw them berth at St. Anthony’s Hospital, SDA Hospital and General Hospital, Aba.
The visit was to put smiles on the faces of patients this Christmas as part of the activities of the Enyimba Foundation.
This is a season of love ❤️
A season to give
Just us as we spread love this period.#EnyimbaFoundation #SpreadingLove pic.twitter.com/xoIkGE4ejG
— Enyimba FC (@EnyimbaFC) December 13, 2023
Enyimba break a 15-year-old jinx
Defending champions of the NPFL Enyimba FC on Wednesday, 22 November 2023, broke a 15-year-long home jinx against Bendel Insurance in a rescheduled Round 1 league fixture in Aba.
Since 2008, the People's Elephants have not beaten the Benin Arsenal at home, but thanks to goals from new signing Joseph Atule and striker Chijioke Mbaoma, Enyimba recorded their first win over Insurance in 15 years.
For the first time also this season, Finidi George's side won back-to-back games in the NPFL, they'll now look to extend their winning run to three as they take on Heartland in the Oriental Derby next.
The first Oriental Derby in the NPFL 2023/24 season
NPFL champions Enyimba will travel to Owerri this weekend to take on regional rivals Heartland FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. The match will kick-off at 4 pm on Sunday evening.
📌 An Oriental Classic against the Naze Millionaire’s on Saturday
🎥Live on @StarTimes_Ng #ChampionsUnite #TogetherForVictory pic.twitter.com/Uh7YqwRyo7
— Enyimba FC (@EnyimbaFC) November 23, 2023
The People's Elephants have not recorded a win in this fixture in their last eight encounters with the Naze Millionaires, but they'll be buoyed by their recent success against Insurance to fight and end their winless run against Heartland.
Enyimba next NPFL fixtures
- 26/11/23 – Heartland vs Enyimba
- 29/11/23 – Enyimba vs Remo Stars
- 02/12/23 – Enyimba vs Sunshine Stars
This article was most recently revised and updated 9 months ago
