NPFL: Abia Gov. Otti Celebrates Enyimba FC Players, Orders Payment Of Their Outstanding Salaries
Following the eclipse performance of the Enyimba Football Club of Aba at the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) 2023, the executive governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, has ordered for the payment of three months outstanding salaries owed the players by the immediate past administration.
The governor while hosting the players on Thursday at the banquet hall of the state government house in Umuahia, lauded them for the hard work and commitment they exhibited in winning the NPFL Championship despite the three months allowances owed them.
“I sympathize with you on your salaries that were not paid for three months. Although we were not responsible for that, we will pay them off.
“We are a responsible government and we believe that a laborer is deserving of his wages.
“I have instructed that the process of defraying the outstanding salaries commences” Otti who was represented by his deputy, Engineer Ikechukwu Emetu stated.
Governor Otti also pledged to renovate the Enyimba stadium in Aba to make it fit for more champions leagues to be played there, and also employ the best players to prepare the team for other tournaments.
“You have made Abians proud, you have also made Nigeria proud because you will be representing the country at the CAF championship for the next season” the governor said.
He pledged that his administration will stay committed to the team and give all the necessary support needed to win other trophies including winning the champions league.
“We also want you to retain this win next season. It means that you will receive our maximum support for that purpose” he added.
Responding, the Enyimba FC coach, Mr Finidi George, appreciated the governor for supporting them during the match and hosting them afterwards. He pledged that the team will continue making the state proud by winning more trophies.
Earlier on, Abia born international football player, Samuel Chukwueze, presented a jersey to the governor.
Other dignitaries at the event include; the speaker of the Abia state house of assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, his deputy, Rt Hon. Austin Mmeregini, other members of the state Assembly, Abia state Labour Party Chairman, Mr Ceekay Igara, aides to the governor, among others.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of the trophy to the governor by the Enyimba FC coach, Mr Finidi George and the captain, Mr John Mobo.
The Enyimba FC had won the trophy in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2015, 2019 and 2023.
The 2023 Enyimba FC NPFL Champions are;
Ojo olorunleke, Djeri Bassa, Ani Ozor, Asuquo Uwana, Imoh Obot, John Noble, Chigozie Obasi, Adeleke Adekunle, James Orosanye, Kalu Samuel, Paschal Eze, Fatai Abdullahi, Sadiq Abubakar, MacBen Otika, Ozor Philips, Emeka Obioma, Bilal Yakubu, Pinto Eze, Chijioke Mbaoma, Ekene Awaziem, Chikamso Akwara, Chisom Okereke, Othuke Egbo, Tosin Adeyemo E., Chigoziem Chilekwu, Ini Edem, Somiari Alalibo, Chibuikem Nwaiwu, Moses Onome, Murphy Ndukwu, Ikenna Cooper, Bambo Ademola, Nonso Ezediewu, Akanni Elijah, Adiele Oriugo.
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