The Abia State Government has approved the appointment of Mr Daniel Eke as the new Sporting Director of Enyimba International Football Club, Aba, in a move aimed at reviving the club’s competitive fortunes.
The appointment was announced on Sunday in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Okey Kanu, who said the decision reflects the state government’s determination to reposition Enyimba as one of Africa’s leading football clubs.
According to Kanu, the move forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the club’s professional, administrative and business structures to ensure long-term sustainability.
“The appointment aligns with the resolve of the Abia State Government to restore Enyimba FC to its rightful place among elite football clubs on the continent,” Kanu stated.
He confirmed that the club’s former Sporting Director, Mr Ifeanyi Ekwueme, has resigned from his position.
Kanu described Eke as a product of Enyimba’s feeder team who has built a solid reputation in football management and player development.
“Over the years, he has served in several technical and managerial capacities across top Nigerian clubs,” the statement noted.
The commissioner added that Eke’s work in football has earned him several recognitions, including Most Successful Football Agent in Africa (2020), Most Successful Football Agent in Nigeria (2020) and Highest Goal Scorer Manager (2020).
The statement further highlighted Eke’s track record in strategic career planning, noting that he has successfully guided players from lower leagues to top-flight football, developed a strong pool of professional and international players, and facilitated the transition of academy players into professional contracts.
“The Abia State Government is confident that his experience, industry network and technical competence will play a key role in repositioning Enyimba FC as a competitive, professionally run and globally respected football institution,” Kanu said.
Clarifying leadership roles within the club, the commissioner stressed, “For the avoidance of doubt, Mr Uche Ikechukwu remains a duly appointed and sworn-in member of the Enyimba FC Board, while Mr Daniel Eke is the newly appointed Sporting Director of Enyimba International Football Club, Aba.”
Kanu also expressed concern over the club’s recent struggles, noting that Enyimba, Nigeria’s most decorated football club, has fallen short of expectations in recent seasons.
“Once a dominant force in Nigerian and continental football, Enyimba FC has in recent times struggled to replicate its historic successes,” he said.
He pointed out that the club’s current 12th position on the Nigeria Professional Football League table for the 2025/2026 season underscores the need for urgent reforms in management, administration and technical direction.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to restoring Enyimba’s pride, adding that sports development remains a key tool for youth empowerment, economic growth and enhancing Abia State’s global visibility.
