Football Manager fans will know him well. Elijah Akanni, one of the best-rated NPFL stars in the game, has officially departed Enyimba FC—and he didn’t leave alone.

The 23-year-old headlines a shocking squad overhaul as the club confirmed the exit of 22 senior players just days before the start of the NPFL 2025/26 season, Footballrover reports.

Football Manager Gem Elijah Akanni Says Goodbye

For Football Manager players, Akanni is more than just another NPFL talent. In FM24, he is valued at £202k, though it takes £231k to sign him.

Born on 22nd August 2001, Akanni is just 23 years, 10 months, and 5 days old at the start of the game, earning £180 per week while playing for Enyimba.

Despite his modest 2/5 current ability rating, Akanni’s in-game potential and playmaking quality make him one of the standout NPFL names FM enthusiasts look out for.

That virtual reputation matched reality when his exit from Enyimba came as a surprise ahead of the new season.

Confirming his departure, Akanni posted an emotional farewell on X (formerly Twitter):

— “To the Chairman, Staff, my teammates and fans of Enyimba FC, thank you for the wonderful journey. It’s been an honour to wear the jersey and play for one of the biggest and best football clubs in Nigeria and Africa. As I move on, I’m grateful for the fond memories we created.”

Enyimba’s 22-Player Exodus Ahead of New NPFL Season

Akanni’s farewell is part of a massive reshuffle at the Elephant Park, with the club confirming that 21 other players will not feature in the upcoming season.

The likes of Brown Ideye, Ani Ozoemenam, Musa Babalola, Innocent Gabriel, and Fatai Abdulahi were among those released.

Others include Umeh Gozie, Alade Balogun, Imo Ikemdinachi, and Leonard Obinna.

Meanwhile, Obichere Odinaka, Purpose Ahumaraezemma, and Samuel Nuako were sent out on loan as the club reshapes its squad for the challenges ahead.

In an official statement, Enyimba described the clear-out as part of their long-term squad rebuild strategy and wished the departing players success in their careers.

What’s Next for Enyimba and Their FM Favourite?

The timing of this exodus is bold, with Enyimba FC set to begin their NPFL 2025/26 campaign away to Barau FC, before back-to-back home fixtures against Niger Tornadoes and Nasarawa United.

For Akanni, both the real pitch and his Football Manager profile suggest brighter days ahead.

At just 23, he remains one of the most promising NPFL stars, with the potential to grow beyond his current rating—both in the virtual world of FM24 and in Nigerian football reality.

But where would he end as the new season is about to kick off?

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Last Updated on August 20, 2025 9:22 am by Sir Kris