Papilo Rallies Enyimba New Boys to ‘Bring Back the Glory’

People’s Elephant Set Sights on NPFL Title, Eyes Eko Int’l Cup as Launchpad.

Enyimba FC Chairman and Nigerian football legend, Ambassador Nwankwo Kanu, has charged the club’s latest recruits to restore the team’s dominance in Nigerian and African football.

Addressing the new signings in a motivational session, the two-time African Footballer of the Year, fondly known as Papilo, urged the players to embrace professionalism and rise to the club’s expectations.

“Professionalism must be your watchword. We are not here just to participate; we are here to win,” Kanu said. “We narrowly missed out last season, but this is a fresh chance to deliver happiness to our fans and reclaim our rightful place – not just in Nigeria but across Africa.”

Enyimba FC, Nigeria’s most successful club on the continent, is determined to bounce back from recent disappointments. Kanu expressed confidence in the blend of youth and experience brought into the squad, reaffirming the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level.

As part of their pre-season build-up, Enyimba will feature in the 2025 Eko International Cup — a highly anticipated tournament set to kick off on 6 July at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

The tournament line-up includes:

• 3SC (Nigeria)

• Remo Stars (Nigeria)

• Ikorodu City (Nigeria)

• Accra Hearts of Oak (Ghana)

• SuperSport United (South Africa)

• Kalon Stars FC (Sierra Leone)

The competition is seen as a vital platform for clubs to fine-tune their squads and assess tactical readiness ahead of the new season. For Enyimba, it will serve as both a test and a statement of intent.

The Aba-based club plans to use the tournament to foster chemistry among new and returning players, as they target a return to CAF Champions League football and a serious push for the 2025/26 NPFL title.

Kanu’s rallying cry signals a no-excuse season for Enyimba. With a legacy to uphold and ambitions renewed, the message is clear: win domestically, conquer continentally, and bring the glory back to Aba.

As the Eko International Cup looms, all eyes will be on Enyimba — not just to participate, but to dominate.