Alex Otti showers millions on champions, Enyimba

By Sola Omoniyi, Lagos

Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti has showered millions of Nigerian Naira on the state-owned football team Enyimba FC of Aba after they emerged champions of the 2022/2023 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Dr Alex Otti scheduled a state reception for the People’s Elephant on Thursday, an event he unavoidably missed. He has now compensated for his no-show by approving millions worth of Naira for Enyimba’s players and backroom staff.

It was revealed that Governor Otti has approved a sum of 20 million Naira as a reward for the players while the technical crew led by head coach Finidi George were also given cash incentives.

Enyimba emerged champions of the recently concluded league season in Nigeria having won the Championship Playoffs in Lagos, warding off stiff challenges by deposed champions Rivers United and Remo Stars. All three clubs finished the competition with the same number of points but Enyimba finished as winners due to superior goals difference.

Also included in the incentives as scooped on Monday are the immediate past Chairman of the club Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu as well as the club’s Supporters Club.

A replacement for Anyansi-Agwu who has been at the helm of affairs at the club for 24 years is expected to be named soon by the state government with former Nigerian international Nwankwo Kanu rumoured to be the favourite for the position.

Monday’s gesture by Dr Alex Otti towards Enyimba’s players is expected to galvanise the team’s preparation for the Naija Super Eight tournament which gets underway this weekend in Lagos. The players are currently on holiday as of Monday.

Enyimba will also represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League – along with Remo Stars – and are also in the frame to participate in the inaugural African Super League competition billed for October this year.