The Abia State government has moved to overhaul Enyimba International Football Club with the appointment of Daniel Eke as the club’s new Sporting Director, a role seen as central to reviving the fortunes of Nigeria’s most decorated side.

The appointment, approved by Governor Alex Otti and announced by Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu, is part of a broader strategy to restore Enyimba’s status among Africa’s elite clubs. The government says the move is aimed at strengthening the club’s technical, business, and administrative framework after several underwhelming seasons.

Eke, a former player in Enyimba’s feeder team, returns to Aba with a reputation built in football management and player development. He has worked in various technical and managerial roles across top Nigerian clubs and is credited with guiding several players from grassroots and lower-league football into the professional ranks.

According to the government, Eke’s track record includes strategic career planning for players, building a pool of professional and international talents, and successfully transitioning academy prospects into full professional contracts. His work has previously earned him industry recognition, including awards for his success as a football agent and player manager.

The state government believes that Eke’s experience and network within the football ecosystem will be crucial in repositioning Enyimba as a modern, professionally run club capable of competing for honours at home and abroad. Officials say his mandate covers squad planning, talent identification, and aligning the club’s sporting vision with global best practices.

The announcement also confirmed the resignation of former Sporting Director Ifeanyi Ekwueme, marking a clear break with the previous technical leadership. In clarifying the club’s governance structure, Kanu stressed that Uche Ikechukwu remains a duly appointed and sworn-in member of the Enyimba FC board, while Eke will oversee the sporting department.

Government officials have voiced concern over Enyimba’s recent decline, noting that a club once feared across the continent now struggles to meet expectations. The team’s mid-table standing in the Nigeria Professional Football League has been cited as evidence of the need for urgent reforms in management and technical direction.

The Otti administration has framed the shake-up at Enyimba as part of a wider policy to use sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment, economic growth, and improved global visibility for Abia State, with Enyimba expected to serve as the flagship project of that vision.