AHEAD 25/26 NPFL SEASON: KANU HAILS GOV OTTI OVER ENYIMBA STADIUM UPGRADE, VOWS CLUB WILL BE NPFL COMPLIANT & TITLE-CHASING

With just over two months to the proposed kickoff of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season on August 22, 2025, a wave of optimism is sweeping through the camp of Nigeria's most successful football club — Enyimba International FC — as club chairman Ambassador Kanu 'Papilo' Nwankwo has applauded Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for his visionary commitment to revamping the iconic Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.

The stadium, which has long been a fortress and symbol of pride for the People’s Elephant, is currently undergoing a significant facelift. In a chat with Enyimba Media, the legendary two-time African Footballer of the Year did not hold back his admiration for the state government’s intervention, describing the renovation work as “timely, strategic, and deeply appreciated by the entire Enyimba family.”

> “Yeah, we are delighted with the renovation work currently ongoing at the Enyimba Stadium by His Excellency,” Kanu said. “Our Governor has always shown his willingness to deliver the dividends of democracy across all sectors, including sports. What he is doing now gives us the morale and the infrastructure to push for greatness in the coming season.”

With the NPFL set to enforce strict licensing and club infrastructure standards, Kanu confidently assured stakeholders and fans that Enyimba would meet and exceed all the requirements set by the League Management.

> “I can assure you that the People’s Elephant will be ready with all the criteria prescribed by the NPFL ahead of the new season,” Kanu declared. “We are not just getting ready to comply, we’re building to compete and conquer.”

The former Arsenal and Ajax forward, now in his second season as Enyimba chairman, reaffirmed the club’s ambition to reclaim thee NPFL title and make a triumphant return to the CAF Champions League.

> “We are working closely with all arms of the club — from technical to medical, from administration to supporters. Our goal is clear: win the league and return to the continent where we belong. The passion is there, the planning is on course, and the vision is bold.”

As the NPFL countdown begins, expectations are sky-high in Aba. With infrastructural revival underway, a chairman with global pedigree at the helm, and the unflinching backing of a reform-driven governor, Enyimba FC are not just preparing to compete — they are gearing up to dominate.