Report: Brazilian coach Rafael Everton, Henry Makinwa frontrunners for vacant El-Kanemi job

Rafael Everton Lira

NPFL Report: Brazilian coach Rafael Everton, Henry Makinwa frontrunners for vacant El-Kanemi job

Jidechi Chidiezie 22:57 - 23.02.2023

Following a disappointing run in the first half of the season, El-Kanemi Warriors parted ways with Hassan Abubakar after their home defeat to Kwara United.

Brazilian tactician Rafael Everton and former Nigerian footballer Henry Makinwa are reportedly two of the top candidates in contention for the vacant El-Kanemi Warriors coaching job.

Following a disappointing run in the first half of the 2023 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season that currently sees them at the base of Group A with five points from nine games, El-Kanemi Warriors on Wednesday parted ways with Hassan Abubakar and his backroom staff.

The Borno Army's most recent game under Abubakar saw them fall to a 2-1 home defeat to Kwara United, making it the sixth time El-Kanemi Warriors had lost a game this season.

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Everton, Makinwa likely to replace Abubakar

According to an exclusive report by the Daily Post, Everton, 34, and Makinwa, 45, both of whom are former managers of second-tier club Vandrezzer, are leading candidates to succeed Abubakar in Maiduguri.

Everton in his time in Nigeria worked with the likes of Akwa United and Abia Warriors, and in 2016, coached FC Ifeaniubah to the club's first-ever Federation Cup title.

Rafael Everton with FC Ifeanyiubah in 2016

The Brazilian also holds the record as the youngest club manager to win a Federation Cup in Nigeria, having led the Anambra club to the cup at the age of 27.

Makinwa, on his part, has also worked with Abia Warriors, as well as Katsina United and ABS FC.

Henry Makinwa

El-Kanemi to add to team before league return

With Nigeria's Presidential, parliamentary and gubernatorial elections holding on February 25 and March 11, the league will be on a three-week break until March.

In the meantime, the management of El-Kanemi Warriors have assured that they intend to use to period to make additions to the team that will make their fans smile.

"ElKanemi will get a Premier League coach to manage the club which will recruit new players in the current transfer window to fortify the team," the club statement said on Wednesday.

Upon return from the three-week break, the Borno Army will make a trip to Kwara United for their Week 10 fixture.

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