Papilo money: Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu motivates Enyimba with $645 ahead Bayelsa United tie

Kanu Nwankwo, the Enyimba boss.

Papilo money: Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu motivates Enyimba with $645 ahead Bayelsa United tie

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 13:29 - 22.03.2025

Nigeria and Super Eagles icon Nwankwo Kanu has reportedly motivated his Enyimba players ahead of their next game against Bayelsa United in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

Nigerian football icon and Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu has reportedly boosted the morale of his Enyimba squad with a generous cash reward ahead of their upcoming Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clash against Bayelsa United. 

As the chairman of Enyimba, fondly known as the People’s Elephant, Kanu has once again demonstrated his commitment to inspiring his team to greatness.

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According to a report from Daily Post, Kanu handed out a cash gift of 1 million naira (equivalent to over $645) to motivate his players. 

The gesture comes as Enyimba prepare to face Bayelsa United in Aba on Sunday for their Matchday 30 fixture in the NPFL. 

Nwankwo Kanu and his Enyimba will be hoping for another win.

Speaking to the team, Kanu praised their resilience and urged them to maintain their momentum as they chase their objectives for the season.

“You guys have shown great character in our recent matches and deserve to be rewarded. This is to motivate you for even more victories,” Kanu told the players. 

Atule's goals life Enyimba back in contention for CAF tickets.

“I commend your fighting spirit to earn these positive results so far, and that’s why we must push for more until we reach our destination.”

However, conflicting reports have emerged about the timing and purpose of the reward. 

Enyimba and Ikorodu City shared the spoils.

Sources from Pulse Sports Nigeria suggest that the 1 million naira gift was not specifically for the upcoming Bayelsa United game but rather a debt owed for Enyimba’s performances in their previous outings against El Kanemi Warriors and Ikorodu City. 

The team secured a victory at home against El Kanemi Warriors before battling to a 2-2 draw against NPFL newcomers Ikorodu City in Lagos.

Nwankwo Kanu with the club

Further details from Pulse Sports sources indicate that the cash will be split unevenly between the staff and players, with 30% allocated to the staff and 70% distributed among the squad. 

This revelation adds a layer of intrigue to Kanu’s motivational gesture, raising questions about the exact nature of the reward and its intended recipients.

Atule (left) continued with his fantastic form for Enyimba.

As the team gears up to face United, fans will be watching closely to see if Kanu’s influence can inspire yet another positive result. 

But for now, the full story behind the $645 reward remains a topic of speculation.