Amid a string of disappointing performances in the NPFL and CAF Confederation Cup, Enyimba International players have accepted a 50% salary cut imposed by the club’s management, Completesports.com reports.
The decision comes as the two-time African champions struggle to regain form, with no wins in their last six matches across all competitions. Vice-Captain Paschal Eze has apologised to fans, pledging the team’s commitment to turning their fortunes around.
Enyimba are currently 7th on the NPFL table with 22 points, with two games in hand. In the CAF Confederation Cup, they are third in Group D with just one point from a possible six.
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After their goalless draw against Sunshine Stars in a rescheduled NPFL Matchday 13 fixture on Wednesday at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, the club’s management held a critical meeting with players and officials. During the meeting, it was announced that players’ salaries would be halved until their performances improve.
Enyimba’s congested schedule, juggling NPFL fixtures and CAF Confederation Cup commitments, has compounded their struggles. The club remains Nigeria’s sole representative in continental competitions, playing three matches within the past week.
In response to the poor results, the team, led by Vice-Captain Paschal Eze, tendered an unreserved apology to fans and supporters. Speaking at the Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, on Thursday, December 12, 2024, ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup Group D matchday 3 clash against Black Bulls FC in Mozambique, Eze promised that the team would work harder to reverse their fortunes.
“I want to on behalf of my colleagues, sincerely apologise to our darling fans over the unsavory results,” he said.
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“We are indeed pained that the results have not been going our way in our recent games and I can assure them that we would put in more efforts to turn things around for good.”
He further assured supporters that the players are determined to make the club and its fans proud once again.
“In times like this, we need the full support of the fans and all lovers of the club”, Eze said, adding that, “the trying times will soon be over and the People’s Elephant will certainly return to winning ways”.
Enyimba departed for Lagos on Thursday before their onward journey to Maputo, Mozambique, for Sunday’s clash against Black Bulls FC in the CAF Confederation Cup.
By Sab Osuji
1 Comment
Kanu Nwankwo is killing the team.