Former Nigeria international Duke Udi has warned that Enyimba must urgently resolve their internal crisis or risk relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Udi, a former midfielder of the Aba club and current Head Coach of Sunshine Stars, said it would be shocking if Nigeria’s most successful club dropped into the Nigeria National League due to internal problems.
Speaking to Completesports.com on Thursday, Udi stressed that reputation and past achievements cannot protect any club from relegation.
“That will be too bad for a club that holds the record for the highest number of trophies in the country and is regarded as the most successful club in the land,” Udi said.
Internal Crisis Behind Enyimba Struggles
Udi revealed that internal disagreements within the club have played a major role in Enyimba’s poor performances this season.
“I was in Aba last week when we, Sunshine Stars, played against Abia Comets FC. I spoke with my former coach, Emma Deutsch Gustavo, who is now Head Coach of Enyimba, and I found out that Enyimba’s problem is internal.
“They must realise that a house divided against itself cannot stand. Everyone should come together and put the interest of Enyimba first. Otherwise, relegation is imminent and it will be catastrophic.”
People’s Elephant In Relegation Zone
Enyimba currently sit in the relegation zone of the NPFL table.
The Aba giants are 18th with 33 points from 29 matches, a position far removed from their traditional status as Nigeria’s most successful club.
The People’s Elephant remain the only Nigerian club to have won the CAF Champions League twice, achieving the feat in 2003 and 2004.
Leadership Changes Deepen Crisis
The club’s struggles have also coincided with a series of leadership changes.
Former Sporting Director Ifeanyi Ekwueme left his role and was replaced by Uche Okechukwu. This followed the dismissal of Stanley Eguma as Head Coach.
Enyimba later appointed Deji Ayeni as Eguma’s successor, but the Abia State Government endorsed Emmanuel Deutsch Gustavo as the new Head Coach, while Daniel Ekeh was named Sporting Director in place of Okechukwu.
Despite the changes, the team has continued to slide down the league standings.
‘Enyimba Name Bigger Than Individuals’
Udi urged all stakeholders to set aside their differences and unite to save the club from relegation.
“The name Enyimba supersedes everything and everybody in the club. Everyone must sheath their daggers and work in the interest of the club so that it does not sink.
“If Enyimba sinks, it will be very bad. All hands must be on deck to lift the club again. That should be the priority for everyone right now.”
He added that Enyimba still have time to turn their season around.
“With nine matches still remaining, I strongly believe it is not too late to make amends.
“Enyimba is still the glamour team of the country and everything should be done to rescue the club and avoid this impending calamity.”
Udi spoke as his Sunshine Stars side prepare to face Heartland at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri in a Nigeria National League Conference A fixture on Saturday, 14 March 2026.
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