What are Enyimba’s chances of retaining the title?

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The Peoples' Elephant celebrated a record seventh title last time out, but do they have the wherewithal to repeat the feat this season?

Following a three-year unbroken stretch of dominance by Kano Pillars, last season was a breath of fresh air. Sai Masu Gida not only saw their crown slip, but finished altogether outside the continental places, fifteen points off winners Enyimba.

The Peoples’ Elephant had of course finished in the runner-up spot for two of those three seasons, leading the rest of the table as Pillars built a dynasty to rival their own early to mid-2000s vintage. Now back on top of the mountain, the question is whether Enyimba have the wherewithal to put together another run of titles, having already cemented their place as the nation’s premier club side with a record seventh crown.

On the administrative side of things, they will benefit from the continued presence of Felix Anyansi Agwu. The seasoned chairman brings the sort of stability and savvy that too few clubs in the league possess and, having teased a resignation at the close of last season, he looks set to remain at the helm.

Anyansi Agwu | How valuable will he be for Enyimba over the coming 12 months?

In view of upheaval on the bench, this is even more crucial. The surprise departure of coach Kadiri Ikhana, after the club elected not to renew his contract, had the potential to rock the boat. However, in place of the peripatetic 64-year-old, Enyimba moved quickly to secure the next best thing: Paul Aigbogun returns to the club where he previously served as assistant manager, having pushed the Aba giants all the way last season.

His Warri Wolves side played with impressive swagger, losing out on the title by just four points. Interestingly, the club’s haul of 66 would have been enough to pip erstwhile champions Kano Pillars to the title in each of their three title-winning campaigns.

More impressive was the manner of the results, frequently achieved with a crushing finality, especially at home. Wolves handily outscored every team in the top five, and their goal differential of 33 was unmatched league-wide.

This attacking identity is perhaps what was missing from Enyimba last term. Only in five games did the Peoples’ Elephant score more than twice all season long, practically slogging their way to the finish line, every game a nervy affair. An average of 1.97 goals per game in matches involving Enyimba was the third-lowest in the league—worthy champions, yes, but hardly entertaining.

That may go some way toward explaining the club’s willingness to let Ikhana go. If Aigbogun is able to provide the swashbuckling football that almost powered Wolves to a first-ever title, it could very well widen the margin between the holders and the rest of the league.

Aigbogun | He will surely make Enyimba more entertaining, can he help them to the title?

He inherits what is already a very solid side, with a defence unrivalled over the past five seasons: no team has given up fewer than Enyimba’s 131 over this stretch. It does give the lie to the notion that defence wins you titles; the club only have one in that time!

In attacking terms, he also has, among others, Mfon Udoh. A year ago, the former Akwa United man was the toast of the league, but an injury-ridden 2015 has taken some of the sheen off. He does still hold the record for the most goals in a league season, and perhaps freedom from the strictures of Ikhana’s somewhat rigid system could see him return to the best.

The club are however not taking a chance on Aigbogun’s resuscitative powers, and have moved to hoover up a slew of attacking talent from around the league. Most notable is former Sharks hotshot and Nigerian youth international Christian Pyagbara, on his day one of the more skilful forwards in the land.

So, with the most attacking coach in the country, the best club administrator at the helm behind the scenes, the league’s best defence and incredible squad depth (14 players brought in), what could possibly stop Enyimba from an eighth title?