Deji Ayeni, Head Coach of newly promoted Doma United, has confirmed that the club is not under pressure to win the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title in the 2026/2027 season, focusing instead on building a competitive and commercially viable team. Speaking exclusively to Completesports.com, Ayeni emphasized that the primary goal for the season is to establish stability in the top flight and ensure long-term success. He highlighted that while winning a trophy would be celebrated, it is not the immediate target for the club.
Ayeni, who previously managed teams like Akwa United, Enyimba, Prime FC, Cynosure FC, Ogun United, and Sunshine Stars, stressed the importance of constructing a team that can compete consistently. “Our first mandate is to build a team that can compete,” he said. “We’re also driven by the objective of building a commercially marketable team for both the domestic and global markets.” The coach believes that creating an exciting and attractive squad will enhance the club’s brand value and fan engagement.
The return of Doma United to their home ground, Pantami Stadium in Gombe, for the upcoming season has added momentum to their preparations. Ayeni expressed excitement about playing in front of home fans again, noting that significant upgrades are underway at the stadium. “Work has been going on there over the last three weeks. The dressing rooms and other facilities are being upgraded significantly,” he revealed.
In terms of player recruitment, Ayeni confirmed that the club is sourcing talent from within and outside Nigeria. The owner, Alhaji Suleiman Umar (Suleiman Umar Mai Doma), is committed to acquiring the best players regardless of nationality. Currently, several players are undergoing assessment during pre-season matches to determine who best fits the team’s philosophy before final registration.
Doma United is actively participating in the 2026 Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/Select Pre-season Tournament in Enugu as part of their preparation. The team will also face Enyimba in a friendly match in Aba on Sunday. Following that, they will travel to Abeokuta for the Gold Cup Tournament and to Ikene for the ValueJet Pre-season Tournament. These fixtures are crucial for evaluating squad depth and identifying players who can adapt to the club’s style of play.
Ayeni concluded by stating that these tournaments offer valuable insights into the current squad. “These tournaments provide an opportunity for us to take a closer look at the players we’ve assembled, identify those who can adapt to our playing philosophy and ensure we present a strong team capable of competing in the league.” With solid planning and focused preparation, Doma United aims to make a lasting impression in their first season back in the NPFL.
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