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Tag: Deji Ayeni

  • Ayeni Calls for Mental Strength After Enyimba Home Draw

    Ayeni Calls for Mental Strength After Enyimba Home Draw

    Enyimba Technical Adviser Deji Ayeni has urged his players to remain mentally strong after being held to a goalless draw by 10-man Barau FC in Aba.

    The People’s Elephant dominated much of the second half but were unable to turn numerical advantage into goals.

    “I feel so bad because the result is painful,” Ayeni admitted. “But we can’t reverse it. What matters now is finding solutions.”

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    Ayeni identified anxiety in front of goal as a major factor behind the missed opportunities.

    “The boys were nervous because they were eager to win. That anxiety affected our finishing,” he explained.

    Despite the frustration, Ayeni expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to rediscover their winning edge.

    “I believe in progression. With 17 games to go, we can correct the issues and get it right,” he said.

    Enyimba will now face a demanding away run, starting with trips to Niger Tornadoes and Nasarawa United.

  • Deji Ayeni Linked with Ikorodu City Amid Crown FC Exit

    Deji Ayeni Linked with Ikorodu City Amid Crown FC Exit

    The outgoing head coach of Crown FC, Deji Ayeni is being linked with the soon-to-be-vacant managerial position at Ikorodu City, NationSport has gathered.

    Ayeni’s departure from Crown FC comes in the wake of the club’s disappointing campaign at the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 playoffs in Asaba, where the Ajilete Warriors fell short of securing promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for the 2025/26 season.

    Crown managed just one point from matches against Kun Khalifat, Osun United, and Warri Wolves, failing to clinch one of the available four promotion slots.

    A source close to the former Akwa United and Sunshine Stars boss confirmed that Ayeni is stepping down from the club, citing frustration over unpaid salaries and a desire for a more stable and ambitious project.

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    “He’s looking for a place where he can focus on football without the off-field distractions,” the source said.

    While reports have previously linked Ayeni with top-tier sides like Sporting Lagos, Lobi Stars, Sunshine Stars, and Kano Pillars, fresh indications suggest that Ikorodu City – whose current head coach is expected to part ways with the club in the coming weeks – have added the experienced tactician to their shortlist.

    Ayeni, a respected figure with NPFL experience, is reportedly open to the Ikorodu City project, which is seen as an opportunity to build a competitive team with long-term potential. With his proven track record and promotion credentials, he could be seen as the right man to steer the Lagos-based side into a new chapter.