Sporting Lagos chairman Godwin Enakhena during an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa expressed confidence that the club will remain on course despite head coach Eboboritse Uwejamomere’s appointment as head coach of Nigeria’s U-17 national team.
The Nigeria Football Federation recently confirmed Uwejamomere’s appointment to lead the Golden Eaglets, with the coach expected to combine the national team role alongside his current responsibilities at Sporting Lagos, who are preparing for life in the Nigeria Premier Football League next season.
His new dual role has raised concerns among some Sporting Lagos supporters, particularly given the challenges several domestic clubs have previously faced when losing their head coaches to national team commitments.
However, Enakhena has dismissed fears that the arrangement could disrupt the club’s progress, insisting Sporting Lagos has the structure and personnel in place to maintain continuity whenever their manager is away on international duty.
“Coaching a national team is a full-time commitment, not a part-time role.” Enakhena told Footy-Africa. “At Sporting Lagos, we have no issue with this transition. When a head coach is called away, we have capable hands ready to step in and maintain our standards.”
Uwejamomere becomes the latest coach to earn a national team appointment under Enakhena’s leadership, continuing a trend that the Sporting Lagos chairperson believes reflects the club’s ability to nurture elite managerial talent.
“What I have never done—and will never do—is interfere with my coach. As an administrator, I recognize that I am not the coach; therefore, I do not disturb or meddle in their professional activities,” he said.
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Enakhena pointed to previous examples from his time in Nigerian football, highlighting the success of coaches who progressed from club roles to positions with the national teams:
“Nduka Ugbade was my first coach at MFM FC, and it was during his tenure with us that he was appointed Head Coach of the Golden Eaglets. We then saw Fidelis Ilechukwu move to the National Team, followed by our most recent coach who has also made that transition.”
“Not once did I ever demand a team list during their time with me. My philosophy is simple: first, identify and hire a high-caliber coach who is capable of delivering results, and then provide them with the right environment to excel.”
The seasoned football administrator, who transitioned into club management after a distinguished career in journalism, emphasised that trust and autonomy remain central to his leadership style.
“I understand that they will make mistakes, and I believe in giving them the space to correct them. I provide everyone with a free hand to do what they do best because I ensure, before hiring, that they have the competence to succeed,” he concluded.
