Enyimba chairman and former Nigeria international Nwankwo Kanu has appealed to the club’s supporters to remain firmly behind the team as the nine-time Nigeria Premier Football League champions battle a difficult start to the 2026/27 season.

The Aba-based club are without a point from their opening three league matches after suffering three consecutive defeats, leaving them at the bottom of the NPFL table ahead of Wednesday’s home fixture against Sporting Lagos. 

Kanu acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the team but urged supporters not to abandon the club at a difficult moment.

“The times have not been most favourable. We understand the weight of the disappointing losses and we are determined to make things right,” Kanu said. 

The Enyimba chairman also thanked supporters for turning out in difficult weather conditions during the club’s 1–0 home defeat to Inter Lagos on Sunday.

“In the rain, you came out to support us against Inter Lagos. Though it did not go our way, you supported us till the final minute and we do not take that support for granted,” he said. 

Kanu called on the fans to continue backing the team as the club seeks to overcome its current difficulties.

“We implore you to stand with us as we wriggle our way out of this labyrinth,” he added. 

Enyimba will have an immediate opportunity to change their fortunes when they host Sporting Lagos, with Kanu identifying a victory as a possible turning point for the struggling side.

“Next for us is a home game against Sporting Lagos on Wednesday as we seek our first win of the season. A win can be a propeller,” the former Super Eagles captain said. 

Kanu further appealed to supporters to fill the stadium and encourage the players as they attempt to launch a recovery.

“We are used to victories and we are proud of that culture. Come, cheer us to victory as we kick off a resurgence. We will get it right. Indeed, hard times are not forever, they come and go,” he said. 

The appeal comes against the backdrop of an escalating leadership dispute at the club. Enyimba’s training session on Monday was reportedly disrupted after Sporting Director Daniel Eke arrived at the training ground with officers of the Abia State Police Command’s Rapid Response Squad, who took some club officials away. 

The incident followed Enyimba’s defeat to Inter Lagos, with reports also alleging that Eke had been attacked by individuals associated with the club after Sunday’s match. The circumstances surrounding the arrests and the allegations have not been independently established by the club in a public statement. 

The current power struggle is understood to have roots in disagreements over the club’s sporting leadership. Kanu had previously appointed former Nigeria international Uche Okechukwu as sporting director, while Abia State Government officials appointed Eke to the same position. 

A similar dispute has surrounded the technical department, with Kanu appointing Deji Ayeni while state government officials unveiled Cameroonian coach Emmanuel Deutsch. Ayeni and Okechukwu subsequently stepped aside as the competing structures continued to create uncertainty around the club’s administration. 

Despite the off-field turbulence, Kanu’s latest message is focused on restoring unity around the team, beginning with Wednesday’s meeting against Sporting Lagos.

The immediate priority for the nine-time NPFL champions is securing their first points of the season and giving supporters something to celebrate after a difficult opening to the campaign.