Enyimba have announced the commencement of their closed door matches after confirming that their Nigeria Premier Football League matchday 24 fixture against Bayelsa United will be played without spectators at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
In a statement released by the club on Saturday, the Aba side said the fixture scheduled for Sunday (today) will mark the first of three consecutive home games to be played behind closed doors, in compliance with a directive from the NPFL. Kick-off is set for four pm.
The club acknowledged the disappointment the decision would cause supporters, describing their presence as a major source of strength, but stressed that the measure was beyond its control and pledged full cooperation with league authorities to ensure a swift return to normal matchday conditions.
The closed door ruling follows disciplinary action taken after Enyimba’s matchday twenty one clash against Barau FC on January 18, 2026.
The NPFL said the game was marred by serious security lapses and supporter misconduct, including unauthorised access to restricted areas and the harassment of match officials.
As a result, Enyimba were fined a total of five million naira and ordered to play their next three home matches without spectators, with the club given forty eight hours to appeal the sanctions.
The punishment compounds a difficult period on and off the pitch for the nine time champions. Enyimba are winless in four league matches and are yet to record a victory this year, drawing two and losing two, including a shock goalless draw at home to relegation threatened Barau FC.
Off the field, the club has equally been dealing with internal instability. Former Super Eagles midfielder Ifeanyi Ekwueme recently confirmed that he resigned voluntarily from his role as sporting director, dismissing reports that he had been sacked. He said his exit followed careful reflection and was driven by personal and professional commitments.
Enyimba have also continued to struggle with managerial turnover, appointing Cameroonian coach Emmanuel Deutsch as their fourth head coach in two years.
Deutsch replaced Deji Ayeni, who lasted just eight days in charge after overseeing a draw with Barau FC and a defeat to Niger Tornadoes.
The club’s recent run of form and administrative upheaval now leaves them facing Bayelsa United under mounting pressure in 12th position, with Sunday’s fixture taking place in an empty stadium as they attempt to steady a season increasingly defined by crisis.
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