Lawrence Ukaegbu Takes Over After Emergency Management Meeting
In a dramatic turn of events, Enyimba International FC has suspended its Technical Adviser, Stanley Eguma, along with his two assistants, following a string of poor results in the 2025/2026 NPFL season. The nine-time Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) champions made the announcement after an emergency management meeting.
The decision comes in the wake of Enyimba’s recent loss to Wikki Tourist at home, a defeat that intensified pressure on Eguma and his technical team. This defeat was part of a broader slump: management had earlier issued a two-match ultimatum for Eguma to turn things around.
Eguma himself had admitted publicly that goal-scoring was a major problem for his side this season, citing low conversion rates and a squad largely made up of new players.
Interim Leadership
To steady the ship, Enyimba has placed Lawrence Ukaegbu, one of the assistant coaches, in temporary charge. Ukaegbu is to take over training duties immediately and will lead the team in their upcoming Match Day 14 game against Katsina United in Jos.
What This Means for the People’s Elephant
The move signals a crisis point for one of Nigeria’s most storied clubs, whose ambitions this season include not just domestic success but also continental qualification. Under Eguma, the club has struggled to deliver consistent performances.
By appointing Ukaegbu, the club is likely looking for a quick shift in momentum without making a full managerial change; buying time to reassess their coaching strategy. The interim appointment also underscores management’s impatience and the high expectations at a top NPFL club like Enyimba.
Eguma’s return to Enyimba was itself framed as a “homecoming”: he previously worked in the NPFL, and his experience made him a go-to figure when the club sought stability. However, his more recent run came under scrutiny, especially as the People’s Elephant failed to meet scoring targets.
Next Steps and Watch Points
How Ukaegbu performs in the interim will be crucial: if he can deliver positive results, Enyimba might consider him for a longer-term role or at least use this period to reset.
Management’s long-term plan: Will they bring in a new permanent coach, or will they give Eguma (or Ukaegbu) another chance after evaluation?
Fan reaction: Enyimba fans, known for their passion, will be watching closely. Can the “People’s Elephant” roar again under new interim leadership?
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