Abia State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has approved the appointment of Coach Deutsch Detchoua Gustave Emmanuel as the new Head Coach of Enyimba International Football Club, Aba.
The appointment marks a significant step in the state government’s renewed commitment to reposition Enyimba FC, Nigeria’s most successful football club, for a return to its historic dominance in domestic and continental football.
Enyimba International Football Club is widely recognized as one of Africa’s elite football institutions. The club has won the CAF Champions League twice and secured multiple Nigerian league titles, establishing itself as a symbol of excellence and a major ambassador of Abia State on the global football stage. Over the years, Enyimba has played a vital role in developing football talent and inspiring millions of supporters across the continent.
However, the club has faced performance challenges in recent seasons, falling short of its traditional high standards. Governor Alex Otti’s administration has made it clear that restoring Enyimba’s competitive strength, professionalism, and institutional stability is a top priority. This includes strengthening technical leadership, improving governance structures, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
The appointment of Coach Deutsch Detchoua Gustave Emmanuel is part of this broader reform strategy aimed at revitalizing the club’s technical department and enhancing its competitive edge. The government believes that strong leadership on the pitch is critical to rebuilding Enyimba into a formidable force in Nigerian and African football.
Coach Deutsch Detchoua Gustave Emmanuel brings a wealth of experience to the role. He is a CAF-certified coach, holding CAF A, B, and C licenses, and has served as Head Coach and Technical Adviser to several reputable football clubs in Nigeria and Cameroon. His coaching career is marked by notable achievements, including winning the Nigeria National League (NNL) Best Coach Award in 2025.
Governor Otti has expressed strong confidence in the coach’s technical expertise, leadership capacity, and professional discipline, noting that these qualities will play a crucial role in Enyimba’s rebuilding process and future success.
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The Abia State Government reassures football fans, stakeholders, and the general public of its unwavering support for Enyimba International Football Club as it embarks on this new chapter.
Signed:
Prince Okey Kanu
Honourable Commissioner for Information
January 25, 2026