The 2024/25 season was meant to be the one where Enyimba consolidated its dominance and reestablished itself on the African stage. Instead, it became a campaign full of contrasts, where moments of promise were offset by long stretches of frustration, missed opportunities, and a late push that proved too little, too late. From a shaky continental outing to a turbulent league campaign and a managerial transition, this season challenged the club at every level. In this Enyimba season review, we’ll explore every detail—the high points, the glaring flaws, and the painful moments. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a casual follower of the NPFL, or just interested in how Nigeria’s most decorated club managed its turbulent ride, this is a deep dive you don’t want to miss.
League Performance: Inconsistency That Cost Everything
Enyimba’s 2024/25 NPFL campaign ended with the club finishing 6th (some sources reported 8th), outside the CAF qualification spots. They secured just 52 points from 37 games with a record of 13 wins, 13 draws, and 11 losses. The league performance told a story of two halves. While the team remained solid at home—losing only one match in Aba all season—they struggled woefully on the road. Away from home, Enyimba managed just four wins and lost ten times. This imbalance killed their momentum and prevented them from sustaining a title challenge. There were also too many draws—13 in total. In key moments where three points were needed, the team lacked the creativity or finishing touch to get the job done. These draws became costly as other teams leapfrogged them during the business end of the season. Despite a strong squad on paper, inconsistency plagued them, and they dropped vital points against mid-table sides. It was a season of ‘almosts’ and ‘what-ifs’—but football rarely rewards those.
Continental Campaign: Group Stage Blues in CAF Champions League
Enyimba returned to the CAF Champions League in 2024/25, a deserved reward for their third-place finish the previous season. However, their campaign ended prematurely in the group stage. Expectations were high, but the team lacked the cohesion and attacking bite to progress. There were flashes of fight, especially in home games, but the quality and tempo required at the continental level simply weren’t sustained. Poor away form also haunted them in Africa, just as it did in the league. This early exit was more than just a competitive failure—it was a financial and psychological blow. African campaigns bring exposure, money, and prestige. Falling short affected squad morale and reinforced internal pressure.
Cup Competitions: Forgettable Exits and Missed Silverware
Domestically, Enyimba also fell short in knockout competitions. In the Federation Cup, they were bundled out earlier than expected, failing to mount any meaningful challenge. There were hopes of using the tournament to salvage pride or at least keep players motivated, but that didn’t materialize. This season will be remembered as a trophyless one—a rarity for a club with such stature. The inability to contest for silverware was perhaps the clearest sign of the club’s deeper problems.
Player Performances: Some Shine, Others Disappear
While the team underperformed as a unit, some players stood out. Defender Somiari Alalibo was a pillar at the back, while midfielder Elijah Akanni often looked like the most creative spark in the middle of the park. Striker Chijioke Mbaoma also chipped in goals, though not as prolifically as fans had hoped. However, several big names failed to deliver. Injuries and poor form plagued key attackers. The team also lacked reliable wingers and backup midfielders who could influence games off the bench. Veteran signing Brown Ideye made headlines late in the season when he scored a match-winning brace against Kwara United on Matchday 36, which briefly lifted the club into fifth. But overall, squad depth and rotation were lacking throughout the campaign.
Coaching Carousel: From Finidi to Eguma
The 2024/25 season saw significant managerial instability. It began with Finidi George’s exit to take up the Super Eagles job. In his place, assistant coach Olanrewaju “Yema” was promoted to interim manager. His tenure was short-lived and largely underwhelming. Midway through the season, the club brought in veteran coach Stanley Eguma, formerly of Rivers United. Eguma immediately brought tactical discipline and managed to stabilize the team—especially at home. Under him, Enyimba climbed from mid-table obscurity to within touching distance of the top five. Eguma’s tenure wasn’t without issues—goal-scoring remained inconsistent, and the away form didn’t dramatically improve—but there was noticeable structure and game management.
Fan Reactions: From Hope to Outrage to Cautious Optimism
Fans started the season hopeful, especially with Champions League nights returning to Aba. But by mid-season, frustration had set in. Poor results, stale football, and cup exits led to increased criticism on social media and in stadiums. When Ideye’s brace revived hopes of a continental spot, supporters rallied again—but only briefly. The final matchday disappointment was a familiar feeling. Still, the arrival of Eguma has brought some cautious optimism. His pedigree and calm leadership style have reassured many that a rebuild is underway.
Comparison – 2023/24 vs 2024/25: A Tale of Two Seasons
Let’s break this down point by point. League Standing & Points: 2023/24 saw Enyimba finish 3rd with 63 points from 38 matches. In 2024/25 they dropped to 6th/8th with 52 points from 37 matches—a loss of at least 11 points and a slide of three to five positions. CAF Campaign: In 2023/24 they competed in the Confederation Cup; in 2024/25 they were in the Champions League but exited at group stage—a promotion in level but regression in achievement. Home & Away Form: 2023/24 featured balanced results, while 2024/25 was fortress-like at home but weak away (4 wins, 5 draws, 10 losses). Coaching Continuity: 2023/24 enjoyed stability under Finidi George; in 2024/25 there was a mid-season switch from Yema to Eguma. Fan Sentiment: From optimism in 2023/24 to frustration and pressure in 2024/25. Enyimba regressed not just in performance but in momentum, morale, and consistency.
Looking Ahead: Off‑Season & 2025/26 Outlook
The most urgent item on the agenda is finalizing Stanley Eguma’s future. Talks have already begun to make him the permanent manager. If sealed, this would give the club a stable base to rebuild. Eguma, who once assisted during Enyimba’s 2003–04 CAF Champions League triumph, is respected and experienced. His recent work shows he can bring structure and manage egos in a high-pressure environment. Recruitment is the next focus. Enyimba need attacking depth, versatile midfielders, and impact substitutes. Late-season fatigue revealed gaps in the squad. Players like Brown Ideye gave a spark—but more consistent firepower is required. Tactically, Eguma is expected to evolve the team into a more structured but dynamic unit. Expect a focus on transitions, final third combinations, and away-game resilience. Fans will demand a top-three finish and improved CAF results. The club must match those expectations with intelligent investments, strong preseason planning, and better in-game management.
Wrapping It Up: The Elephant Must Roar Again
This Enyimba season review tells the story of a club at crossroads. A turbulent 2024/25 campaign exposed tactical flaws, squad limitations, and leadership gaps. But it also revealed resilience, potential, and a foundation worth building on. With Eguma likely to stay, and with the right recruitment, Enyimba can return to the top. The club’s DNA is success—it doesn’t tolerate mediocrity for long. The upcoming 2025/26 season must be the year where intentions turn into results, where structure meets ambition, and where Enyimba roars not just in Aba—but across Africa. The People’s Elephant has stumbled—but it’s not fallen. The next steps will determine if the giant rises again.
