FIFA/UNICEF Ambassador, Nwankwo Kanu, who is also Executive Chairman of Enyimba Football Club, has eulogised players and technical officials of the People's Elephant for their dogged performance in the concluded 2023/2024 NPFL season which earned the two-time African Champions a CAF Confederation Cup ticket in the just concluded NPFL season.

'Papilo', as he's fondly called during his illustrious career, expressed satisfaction with the team’s efforts despite the fact that they came short of retaining the title which was their prime target prior to the start of the season.

Enyimba scored two late goals on Sunday in Aba on the final day of the season to peg Plateau United 2-0 to scoop their fifth CAF Confederation Cup ticket in history.

”I am happy with the team. They did their best despite all odds. The league was tight and the battle for who gets continental ticket was hot if you check the final table”, Kanu said after the match on Sunday.

”I appreciate their sacrifices, commitment, doggedness and above all, their cooperation as a family. The ‘Igwebuike’ spirit was evident in their fight for honors”

“It was a moment of tears of joy for me when it was clear that we qualified for the continent. This is my first season as a club administrator and the team encouraged me with this result. 

"This season came with a lot of challenges but together we were able to pull through.

“In due time l will still tell my stories of 'baptism of fire' as a club administrator, especially managing a big club like Enyimba. However, it is a good experience”, a delighted Papilo said.

He thanked  Enyimba FC Supporters and fans for their overwhelming dedicated support which he believes helped the team in their drive for honors.

“I thank the Enyimba FC Supporters and fans in Aba and around the world who stood behind us all through the season.

“Aba Stadium remains one of the safest football centers in Nigeria. This is because we have fans and supporters who remain calm and supportive even when we lose or draw at home. 

"They support good football and cheer even our opponents”".

The Arsenal Legend dedicated the club’s recently won award from the Nigeria Pitch Award as the team of the year 2023 to the fans and supporters of Enyimba worldwide.

The 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games gold medalist assured that the next football season will be better as the team will have a more robust preparation and set achievable targets.

He urged the players especially those who will remain with the club to prepare their minds for the task ahead while wishing those who will leave well.

The Enyimba boss would in a special way thank the Executive Governor of Abia State, Chief Alex Otti, for his 'trust and support' to the management, players and technical team of Enyimba Football Club.

”The governor gave us a blank cheque of 'financial and moral support' to succeed and I am happy we did not disappoint him. 

"We promised him the trophy and we made visible efforts to achieve that. I don’t want to talk about what happened but we thank God and move on.

”He has shown through his support for Enyimba the reality of his 'transformational agenda' for Abia state. All I can promise him is that Enyimba will do better next season”, Papilo concluded.