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Former Super Eagles manager Finidi George has been replaced by his former club ahead of the new season.
Ahead of the new NPFL season, Nigerian football giants Enyimba FC, the country's most decorated club, made a bold move as they promoted Yemi Daniel Olanrewaju to replace Finidi George as the head coach.
This decision marked a significant milestone in the career of the young, ambitious tactician who has promised an exciting future for the Aba Elephants.
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09:01 - 16.08.2024
I love it here - 32-year-old coach living the dream after replacing ex-Super Eagles coach Finidi George
Enyimba committed to a new relationship after Yemi Daniel Olanrewaju was promoted from assistant to permanent manager.
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Let's take a good look at the fascinating background of the man with the mandate of leading Enyimba back to glory after the departure of his former boss Finidi George.
Nigerian Roots and Current Base
Olanrewaju hails from Osun State in southwestern Nigeria, showcasing the country's diverse football talent. While his roots are in Osun, Olanrewaju has made Lagos his home base, demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to his career.
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Now, his journey takes him to Aba in Abia State, the heartland of Enyimba, where he'll be at the helm of Nigeria's most successful club.
A Young Coach with a Bright Future
Born on May 2, 1992, Olanrewaju, affectionately known and addressed by admirers as 'Yema', is just 32 years old, married to Efe, his beautiful wife, with a lovely daughter.
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His relatively young age for a head coach in such a prestigious position speaks volumes about his talent and the trust placed in him by Enyimba's management led by another Nigerian legend Kanu Nwankwo.
It also reflects a growing trend in global football of giving opportunities to younger, innovative coaches with fresh ideas and approaches to the game.
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From Player to Coach
Yema's understanding of the game is deeply rooted in his experience as a professional player.
His career, albeit short-lived, as a defensive midfielder saw him represent notable Nigerian clubs including Kwara United, Ocean Boys, and Crown FC.
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This playing experience at the professional level provides him with valuable insights into player management and on-field tactics, which he can now apply in his coaching role.
Tactical Philosophy and Continuous Learning
Known for his preference for possession-based football, Olanrewaju is not content to rest on his laurels.
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He recently travelled to Scotland to obtain his UEFA B coaching license, demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
This international exposure and formal education in coaching techniques position him well to implement modern tactical approaches at Enyimba as has been seen in some of the matches he has handled so far.
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Success as Assistant Coach
Before his promotion to head coach, Yema spent two successful seasons as an assistant to Nigerian football legend Finidi George at Enyimba.
During this period, he played a crucial role in guiding the team to their ninth Football League (NPFL) title in the 2022/23 season.
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This experience has given him intimate knowledge of the club, its players, and the expectations that come with managing a team of Enyimba's stature.
Diverse Coaching Experience
Yema's coaching journey extends beyond Enyimba. He has had stints with Vandrezzer FC, leading them to victory in the Lagos State FA Cup, and has also worked with MFM FC (Ministry of Fire and Mountain FC).
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This diverse experience across different levels of Nigerian football, including working as an assistant with the Golden Eaglets, Nigeria's U17s, has equipped him with a broad understanding of the local football landscape and player development.
The Challenge Ahead
As he takes the reins at Enyimba permanently, Yema faces the formidable task of reclaiming the NPFL title after being dethroned by Southeast rivals Enugu Rangers last season and expectations are high for Enyimba to return to the summit of Nigerian football.
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While the team missed out on defending their crown, Olanrewaju's efforts helped secure a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup, providing a platform for continental success.
His ability to pilot both domestic and international competitions will be crucial in defining his tenure as he looks to get Enyimba back to winning ways.
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