Head coach of Enyimba, Austin Eguavoen, could not contain his excitement after winning his first-ever domestic title last Sunday in the FA (Federation) Cup against Sharks Football Club at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
“This is the first time I am leading a club to win a trophy,” Eguavoen told Daily Independent on Monday.
The former Super Eagles’ coach continued that the Peoples Elephant as Enyimba is nicknamed has shown that it is a side with a winning tradition by surmounting a troubled season to emerge champion of the Federation Cup.
Eguavoen, who was elevated to the position of head coach after the contract of Belgian handler, Maurice Cooreman, was not reviewed by Enyimba management last year, recalled that the Aba Millionaires was written off at some point in the season.
The former Bendel Insurance coach poured praises on the management of the five-time Nigeria Premier League (NPL) winner and its supporters for sticking with the technical crew and players during the trying periods of the just-concluded season.
“Last season has been especially trying for the whole team. But to end the season with a trophy when we were written during the season shows that we are a side that has character in every way. The Federation Cup is the last trophy of the season and to end the season on a high note is something that we can keep for memories after a trying season. Remember that during the season some of our big players left us and people did not give us any chance because we were in the middle of the league table at that time. But we finished in third place and picked a continental ticket against all odds and now we have added the Federation Cup to it,” he said.
Eguavoen also spoke about his coaching crew that includes himself, Ike Shorunmu and Ifeanyi Onyedika. He pointed out that the success of Enyimba in the Federation Cup coupled with its third place finish in the Premier League a team job.
“I am not the only person that should take credit for our success in the just-concluded season because my assistants were wonderful. They carried on in their jobs well and coupled with the cooperation they gave me, we have been able to end the season on a good note. I must really commend Ike and Onyedika for their support during the season as I look forward to working with them when the new season (begins later this year),” he said.
Eguavoen added that he and the management of the club are now looking forward to the 2009/2010 campaign in the Premier League with optimism.
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