Following the sack of Stanley Eguma as the Technical Adviser of Enyimba FC of Aba, the people’s Elephant has engaged former Akwa United gaffer Ayodeji Ayeni as its new coach.

The former Akwa United and Crown FC of Ogbomosho coach reports say will sign a One season initial contract with the Aba Elephants with an option of renewal.

Ayeni Ayodeji Alexander who is coming with a rich credentials rose from the grassroots Football to Elite Coaching,  a Journey which many described as that of persistence, excellence and impact.

Ayeni Ayodeji Alexander, a seasoned  football coach and former professional player, continues to stand out as one of the country’s most experienced and decorated football technicians. With more than three decades of involvement in the sport — spanning playing, coaching, talent development and leadership — Ayeni’s story remains a remarkable testament to perseverance, skill and dedication.

Born on 24 February 1970 in Ilesa, Osun State, Ayeni began his football journey with Wambai United FC of Kano in 1989. Over the next 19 years, he built an impressive playing career across clubs such as Ijesha United, Taofiq Contractors, Concord FC, Insurance of Benin, Niger Tornadoes, Kwara United and East Riffas FC in Bahrain, where he ended his professional playing stint in 2008. His time with Niger Tornadoes saw him feature in the prestigious WAFU Cup, while his standout performances in the mid-90s earned him accolades including NFA/Sports Souvenir Magazine’s Player of the Week and Cadbury Nigeria’s Bournvita Player of the Month in 1996.

Ayeni’s leadership qualities emerged early. As captain of Ijesha United FC, he led the team to win the maiden Osun State FA Cup in 1991, a defining moment shortly after the state was carved out of the old Oyo State.

Transitioning into coaching, Ayeni equipped himself with an impressive array of qualifications. His certifications span the CAF Coaching Licence pathway — including CAF C, B and BFUT Level 4 — alongside a wide slate of England FA courses such as Safeguarding, First Aid in Football and the Principles of Play. He also holds multiple coaching development certificates from the National Institute for Sports and the FCAAN.

His coaching career has been equally illustrious. Ayeni has worked with numerous Nigerian clubs, including Crown FC, Akwa United, Sunshine Stars FC, Ekiti United and Cynosure FC. Under his leadership, these clubs achieved strong league positions, cup runs and preseason tournament successes. At Cynosure FC alone, he led the club to multiple semifinals and finals, including the Ebonyi FA Cup title and a top finish in the Nationwide League One (NLO).

Between 2014 and 2016, Ayeni guided Prime FC (Osun United) to three consecutive Osun State FA Cup titles and a National FA Cup semi-final appearance. At Sunshine Stars, he stabilised the team during the 2020–2022 NPFL seasons, taking them to a 6th-place standing at the end of the first stanza and rescuing the club from relegation in just 14 games. He also led them on a seven-match unbeaten run and guided the team to the 2021 FA Cup semifinals.

His tactical intelligence and motivational leadership continued at Akwa United, where he achieved back-to-back Akwa Ibom State FA Cup victories in 2022 and 2023.

Ayeni’s national recognition includes call-ups to the U20 team in 1996 under Coach Tunde Disu and the U23 team in 2003 under Godwin Koko Uwah — acknowledgements that capped off a rich domestic playing career.

Respected for his match-reading ability, communication skills and calmness under pressure, Ayeni Ayodeji Alexander remains a model of professional excellence in Nigerian football. His journey from grassroots talent in Ilesa to a top-tier coach shaping clubs across the country reflects an enduring influence on the sport and a legacy still in the making.