Reigning Nigeria Premier League champions Enyimba, have officially announced the departure of Finidi George from the club and have revealed that his erstwhile assistant, Olanrewaju Yemi Daniel, will step into the role of the head coach the club.
The two-time Africa champions thanked Finidi for his services and have now promoted Daniel from Assistant coach to Head Coach until the end of the season.
Daniel has been with the team for the past two seasons as assistant to Finidi and will now take the reins in Aba.
A midfielder in his playing days, he has featured in the league for Kwara United and had short stints in Denmark and Turkey with Kizitepe Firaspor. He has also coached at teams like MFM and Vandrezzer and had a stint with the national U17 Men's team, the Golden Eaglets.
The statement released on Thursday said:
Enyimba Football Club announces with mixed emotions the departure of Coach Finidi George, who has officially accepted a prestigious position with the Nigerian Super Eagles. Coach George has been an invaluable asset to the club during his tenure, and his contributions have been deeply appreciated.
Having joined in 2021, Finidi George swiftly made an indelible mark, leading the team to remarkable achievements. In just his second season in charge, he guided Enyimba FC to clinch the league title, showcasing his exceptional coaching prowess and strategic acumen.
Coach George’s departure marks the end of an era for Enyimba FC, but also signifies a new chapter in his illustrious career. His leadership, dedication, and passion for the game have left an enduring legacy at the club, inspiring players and fans alike.
“In light of Coach George’s departure, Enyimba FC is pleased to announce the promotion of Assistant Coach Olanrewaju Yemi Daniel ‘Yema’ to the position of Head Coach until the end of the season.
Yema has been an integral part of the coaching staff, demonstrating his commitment, expertise, and leadership qualities throughout his tenure.”
Currently pursuing his UEFA B license, Yema is dedicated to furthering his coaching education and bringing the latest techniques and strategies to Enyimba FC.
His passion for the game and his continuous pursuit of excellence make him the ideal candidate to lead the team forward during this transition period.
Yema will see out the remainder of the season, ensuring stability and continuity for Enyimba FC as they continue to compete.
The club is confident in Yema’s abilities to lead the team to further success and achieve their goals.
“Enyimba FC expresses its sincere gratitude to Coach Finidi George for his invaluable contributions and wishes him the very best in his new role with the Nigerian Super Eagles.
The club also extends its congratulations to Coach Olanrewaju Yemi Daniel on his well-deserved promotion and looks forward to a promising future under his leadership.”
Daniel is currently honing his coaching skills by pursuing his UEFA B badges in Edinburgh, Scotland, as he prepares to resume on the Enyimba hot seat.
The ‘Peoples’Elephant’ is in third place on the NPFL table with 53 points after 32 games, with only six matches remaining in the 2023/24 season.
