- Finidi’s current contract lapses in September
- Finidi reportedly negotiating a new contract with Enyimba
Enyimba have debunked reports suggesting that the club have sacked their head coach Finidi George.
Some media outlets (not WITHIN NIGERIA) reported that Finidi had been sacked after guiding the People’s Elephant to a record ninth Nigeria Premier League title last season.
This comes after the club’s new Sporting Director, Ifeanyi Ekwueme, acting on behalf of Kanu, handed a 48-hour ultimatum to the team’s technical crew.
The letter titled: ‘Application for re-absorption into Enyimba management read, “The management, staff and technical crew of Enyimba first and second teams are hereby instructed to re-apply for their positions with immediate effect. All applications should be submitted to the club TMS manager within 48 hours.”
The club have however stated that the head coach is exempted from the exercise.
Also speaking on Finidi’s status at the club, two-time African Footballer of The Year, Kanu Nwankwo, who is now the club Chairman, said there is no truth in the speculation.
“No, it is not true, “Kanu told PUNCH. “He is our coach and we are happy with him.”
Meanwhile, Finidi, who signed a two-year deal with the Aba giants in 2021, is reportedly negotiating a new contract at the club, as his current contract lapses in September.
The former Ajax and Real Betis winger replaced Fatai Osho in August 2021.
It remain to be seen whether Finidi’s assistant will be exempted from clean up at the club.
In another development, three coaches; Finidi George, Daniel Ogunmodede and Monday Odigie have been shortlisted for the Nigeria Premier League Coach of the Season award.
The coaches had remarkable campaign with their respective clubs in the 2022/23 season.
Finidi, a former Nigeria international masterminded Enyimba’s success at the NPL Super Six playoffs in Lagos.
Ogunmodede’s Remo Stars finished second on the log.
Bendel Insurance under the guidance of Odigie were unbeaten in the regular season.
The Benin Arsenals also set a new longest unbeaten record in the NPL.