Former African Footballer of the Year, Nwankwo Kanu, may be on his way to replacing Felix Anyansi-Agwu as the chairman of Enyimba International Football Club of Aba. This is according to
The board of Enyimba, including that of Abia Warriors, alongside other boards of Abia State Government Ministries, Parastatals and Agencies were dissolved by Governor Alex Otti soon after his inauguration on May 29, 2023.
This leaves the nine-time NPFL Champiins and two-time CAF Champions League winners without a substantive chairman.
But last Thursday, deputy governor of Abia State, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, during the presentation of the 2022/2023 NPFL trophy at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia, commended the sacked board for what they achieved while in office.
The state No2 citizen also thanked Nwankwo Kanu “for accepting to serve his state’.
The deputy governor’s commendation evoked speculation that Papilo, as the former Arsenal leggy forward and Dream Team 1 Nigeria U23 National team captain could be in line for a possible commissionership appointment.
But soon after, Governor Otti rolled a list of commissioner nominees to be transmitted to the State House of Assembly screening and confirmation as substantive Commissioners without Nwankwo Kanu’s name.
This, thus, heightened suggestions that the Deputy Governor’s pronouncent may be an indication that Papilo could be the one to step into the big shoes Anyansi vacated as chairman of the most successful and most decorated club in Nigeria, Enyimba.
Governor Otti’s nomminees for commissionership appointment include Prof Monica Ironkwe; Kingsely Anoribe; Prof Eme Uche;
Philemon Asonye Ogbonna;
Mike Akpara; Ngozi Okoronkwo; Okey Kanu;
Ikechukwu Uwaoma; Chaka Chukwumereije; Uzo Nwachukwu; Prof Joel Friday Ogbonna; Chima Emmanuel Oriaku;
Nwaobilor Nwadimma Ananaba; Dr Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu; Ngozi Blessing Felix; Engr Don Otumchere Oti; Comrade Sunny Okebugwu Onwuma; Engr Ikechukwu Monday and
Mathew Chikodi.
Meanwhile, Nwaobilor Nwadimma Ananaba is being touted as likely the new commissioner for sports, Abia state.
Ananaba is listed amongst Gov Otti’s Commissioner designate and has began to receive commendations as the one with the best hand to steer Abia Sports ship.
Ananaba is presently the
Vice-President of Manchester Bulls Football Club, Manchester England.
He’s also Chairman and CEO Obiaba Football Academy Aba, Abia state and Chairman Abia State Mini Football Association.
Checks also reveal that he was a licensed international Football Intermediary with over 12 years experience representating professional footballers in negotiating contracts and playing managerial roles.
