Nigeria Leagues
Yemi Olanrewaju proud of debut, eyes future success with Enyimba amidst offers
By Saheed Afolabi
In his debut season in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the young coach led the People’s Elephant to a league title in 2023, achieving this milestone in Lagos. Yemi asserts his identity as a serial winner, admitting that he struggles with defeat.
Despite receiving numerous offers, Yemi is committed to Enyimba, expressing his loyalty to the club over others. He praised the management of the Aba-based team for their unwavering support and belief in his abilities despite his young age.
“I’m a serial winner. I love to win. I don’t settle for second. But sometimes, when it doesn’t happen, you have to move on,” Yemi told the press.
“I have a lot of offers; I won’t lie to you. But for me, Enyimba comes first in everything I do. Before I came here, I was a fan of the club, and that’s why, for the past two years, I’ve given everything for the club.”
“So, for me, I think the management has trust in me, and I have to give credit to Nwankwo Kanu because, often, a lot of Nigerian teams don’t have trust in young coaches. For him to trust me, they know that I have the ability. I’m not trying to brag. The level I coach at, only a few coaches can coach like that at the NPFL level; that’s the truth.”
Following the resignation of Finidi George, Yemi was entrusted with the responsibility of leading Enyimba. Under his guidance, the club finished in third place, securing a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup for next season.
