El-Kanemi Warriors assistant coach Ishaq Hussain Goni has expressed confidence that the club will be fully prepared for the 2026/27 Nigeria National League (NNL) season, insisting the Maiduguri-based side has assembled a stronger squad capable of competing for promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The Borno club enters the new campaign determined to bounce back after suffering relegation from the NPFL last season, despite ending the year on a high by lifting the 2026 President Federation Cup.
Speaking through the club’s media channel, Goni said preparations had progressed well and that the coaching crew was satisfied with the quality of players recruited ahead of the new season.
Confidence in the new squad
According to Goni, the club has worked hard to strengthen the team and believes the players selected are ready to represent El-Kanemi Warriors in the club’s famous yellow and green colours.
He said doubts had been raised about the team’s readiness earlier in the preparations but insisted the squad has developed well through training.
“Alhamdulillah, some people doubted that we could make it this early, but by the will of Allah, we now have better and fully prepared players who are ready to wear the yellow and green jersey,” Goni said.
The assistant coach suggested that the new additions have increased competition within the squad and improved the team’s overall quality ahead of the league campaign.
Promotion remains the priority
Returning to the NPFL remains the club’s biggest objective for the coming season, and Goni made it clear that El-Kanemi Warriors are targeting one of the available promotion slots.
He said the coaching staff had intensified training sessions to ensure the players are physically and tactically prepared for the challenges of the NNL.
“We have intensified our training, and we are going to surprise the world,” he stated.
The assistant coach added that supporters would soon get the opportunity to see the club’s new signings when they are officially unveiled.
“Soon, we will unveil our new players and, In Sha Allah, you will all smile.”
Continental ambition
Beyond securing promotion, Goni revealed that El-Kanemi Warriors are also setting their sights on making a strong impression in continental competition.
The club earned a place on the continental stage after winning the 2026 President Federation Cup, a triumph that provided a significant boost despite the disappointment of relegation.
He said the team intends to compete strongly on both fronts as the new season approaches.
“Our target is to go far in the continental competition.”
Building on Federation Cup success
El-Kanemi Warriors endured a difficult domestic league campaign last season, which ultimately ended in relegation from the NPFL.
However, the club salvaged its campaign by capturing the President Federation Cup, giving supporters a major trophy and restoring confidence ahead of the new season.
That success has become the foundation of the team’s rebuilding effort, with the coaching staff hoping the winning mentality developed during the cup run will carry into the NNL campaign.
As preparations continue, the Maiduguri club will look to combine its revamped squad, intensified training programme and renewed confidence into a promotion push aimed at returning to Nigeria’s top flight at the first attempt.
