El-Kanemi Warriors coach Kabiru Dogo has offered an apology to the club’s supporters and the State Government after the team’s relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Despite the setback, he says the “Borno Army” are now focused on finishing the campaign strongly by winning the 2026 President Federation Cup.
Quick facts
- Kabiru Dogo apologised to El-Kanemi Warriors supporters and the Borno State Government after NPFL relegation.
- The coach says the relegation was difficult to explain and not expected.
- El-Kanemi Warriors face Ikorodu City in the 2026 President Federation Cup final on Saturday.
- The final is at Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State.
- Dogo believes winning the cup can bring relief and renewed optimism after a disappointing league season.
- He called for unity among government, club leadership, and stakeholders for an immediate return to the NPFL.
- Dogo also urged merit-based recruitment during the rebuilding process.
Before Saturday’s showpiece against Ikorodu City, Dogo acknowledged that the relegation still feels hard to rationalise. The Maiduguri-based side, he said, has found the outcome painful for everyone connected to the club.
“I sincerely apologise to our supporters and the people of Borno State for our relegation. It is still difficult to explain because we never expected it,” Dogo said. “At times, it felt like it was destined to happen despite all our efforts.”
Cup as a route to recovery
Dogo, a seasoned tactician who previously coached Lobi Stars, Nasarawa United and Sunshine Stars, believes lifting the President Federation Cup can provide some form of comfort following a disappointing league run. He stressed that the trophy would not erase the relegation pain entirely, but it can restore joy among the fans.
“Winning the President Federation Cup will not completely erase the pain of relegation, but it will certainly put smiles back on the faces of our supporters. That is our focus now, and the players are fully committed to giving everything to bring the trophy home,” he added.
The coach also expressed confidence that his team is prepared for the final. He said the players understand the weight of the occasion and are determined to close the season with something tangible.
Looking past Saturday, Dogo urged the Borno State Government, club management and all stakeholders to rally together behind El Kanemi Warriors. His message was clear: unity is essential if the club wants to secure an immediate return to the top flight.
“Everyone connected with the club must put El Kanemi Warriors first. The club should not be politicised because that will only hinder progress. We need unity and a shared commitment to rebuilding the team,” he said.
In addition, Dogo called for a recruitment approach based purely on merit. He insisted that the rebuilding phase should bring in players strictly on quality, rather than through sentimental choices.
“The management must work together and ensure that players are recruited strictly on merit. The club needs the best available players, not selections based on sentiments. If we get that right, I believe El Kanemi Warriors can return to the top flight immediately,” he concluded.
El-Kanemi Warriors will meet Ikorodu City in the 2026 President Federation Cup final on Saturday, with the Maiduguri club aiming to cap a tough season with a major domestic trophy.
