As much as the management of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) champions, Enyimba, would refuse to admit it, the side are facing their most difficult season financially in the top-flight of the country’s football league.
The situation at the club have worsened, as investigation by our correspondent reveal that the Peoples Elephant are heavily indebted to their playing and coaching staff in spite of last season’s feat of winning the championship for the sixth time.
Several players of the club, who would not want their names mentioned in this report, pointed out that the indebtedness of the two-time Caf Champions League winners is affecting their performance in the ongoing Premier League season.
One of the players told SuperSport.com: “It is very impossible to get the best from us under this kind of condition. We are owed so much and our families are dependent on us. But as I speak with you, nothing has been said about offsetting those debts.”
SuperSport.com learnt that Enyimba owe their playing personnel 35 match bonuses as well as 80 per cent of contract fees from last season.
The Aba side are yet to pay a dime from the contract fees agreed upon with their playing staff since the 2010/2011 season kicked off.
It has also been learnt that the club have been struggling to honour matches on the road with the help of some officials, who contribute money for some of their games to make sure that they are not walked over.
The financial hitch has not affected just the players and coaches, as the administrative arm of the club is also facing same difficulty in carrying out its duties.
The switch of the club’s spokesman, Tonnex Chukwu, to rivals, Heartland, as protocol officer this week also highlights the dire financial position Enyimba have found themselves this term.
Enyimba remain Nigeria’s most decorated club having won two African titles in 2003 and 2004 coupled with six league titles in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2010 as well as two FA Cups in 2005 and 2009.
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