Premier League: Finidi attributes Enyimba's victory to hard work and unity
The 52-year-old gaffer stated that he has a cordial relationship with his players, which was evident during the celebration when the team scores
Enyimba Head Coach Finidi George has attributed the team’s latest Nigeria Premier League (NPL) triumph to ‘hardwork and unity’.
The 2-time African champions claimed a record-extending 9th NPL title on Sunday in Lagos after a 1-1 draw against holders Rivers United to move top of the Super 6 Playoffs standings with 9pts and a better goal difference of +4 ahead of Remo Stars and the Pride of Rivers.
It is the first league title for the former Nigeria International, who is only in his second season at the helm of Enyimba.
Asked what was the key to the club’s success in the league in the just-concluded campaign, the former Ajax winger said: “It is that unity and work ethic.
“I tell the players that ‘when you work hard you’ll get the reward one way or the other’.
“We have a lot of young players who are willing to listen and are ready to work. So, that combination with my character also, really helped.
“I am not the high-handed type that has to scold everybody. I speak to them, and they understand. I explain things to them that ‘I’ve done it before; played to the highest level’. They want to learn from me. That’s the attitude (in the team), and it becomes easier for me.
The 52-year-old gaffer stated that he has a cordial relationship with his players, which was evident during celebration when the team scores.
“You can see that on the field of play. A player scores a goal, he is coming to me because he knows how hard we’ve worked, the encouragement I’ve given to them.
“So, we are like a family, and that is key (to our success).”
Following the latest league success, the Nigerian giants, alongside Remo Stars, will represent Nigeria in the 2023/2024 CAF Champions League – a competition they won back-to-back in 2003 and 2004.
The stunning accomplishment in Lagos follows previous triumphs in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2015 and 2019.
Nigeria’s most successful club Enyimba also boasts of 4 Federation Cups and 2 CAF Super Cup titles.
