Papilo in soup: Abia Government investigates Eagles icon Kanu Nwankwo-led Enyimba over $1M CAF prize money

The legendary Kanu Nwankwo is facing his toughest test as an administrator as the Abia State Governmen​t has officially demanded a full accounting of the $1 million (approx. ₦1.5 billion) prize money earned from Enyimba FC’s participation in the inaugural African Football League (AFL).

The move comes amid a growing rift between the club’s management and Governor Alex Otti’s administration, which has expressed dissatisfaction with the current direction of the People's Elephant.

Enyimba, as Nigeria’s sole representative in the 2023 AFL, was entitled to a $1 million payout for reaching the quarterfinals. 

However, recent audits and reports suggest that the funds have not been reflected in the club's developmental projects or infrastructure, leading to a formal summons for the club's board.

The government’s inquiry is reportedly focused on:

• The Prize Money Split: Clarifying exactly how much was received after CAF deductions.

• Player Welfare: Addressing recent protests by Enyimba players over irregular disbursement of salary arrears despite the government releasing special intervention funds.

• Operational Costs: A breakdown of how the AFL windfall was utilized during a period where the club has struggled with basic logistics.

The financial probe is only one part of a larger crisis rocking the Aba-based giants. In a stunning move that bypassed Kanu’s management, the Abia State Government recently announced Deutsch Detchoua Gustave Emmanuel as the new head coach, sacking the previous manager after just three games.

This direct interference signalled a total breakdown in trust between the Governor’s office and the Papilo-led board.

Since taking over from the long-serving Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Kanu has faced heavy criticism for his absentee leadership style and the club's dwindling fortunes on the pitch. 

While Kanu has defended his tenure by pointing to reforms in the youth system and stadium renovations, the $1 million has given his detractors fresh ammunition.

With the government now breathing down his neck for a financial "play-by-play" of the AFL funds, the Arsenal icon must prove that his legendary status on the pitch translates to transparency in the boardroom.