Deji Ayeni, head coach of newly promoted Doma United, has made clear that his side are under no pressure to challenge for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title in the 2026/2027 season. Ayeni made the disclosure in an exclusive interview with Completesports.com.

Stability first

The 54-year-old coach — who has previously managed Akwa United, Enyimba, Prime FC, Cynosure FC, Ogun United, and Sunshine Stars — said the club's priority is to assemble a competitive squad and secure their top-flight status.

"Our first mandate is to build a team that can compete. We're also driven by the objective of building a commercially marketable team for both the domestic and global markets," Ayeni said. "We want to build a team that's exciting and commercially attractive while maintaining our place in the NPFL. We're not under any title pressure whatsoever. But if God graciously crowns our efforts with a trophy at the end of the day, fantastic. We'll accept it with great joy."

Pantami Stadium return lifts the mood

Ayeni expressed delight at Doma United's expected return to their home ground, Pantami Stadium in Gombe, for the upcoming campaign. He noted that renovation work at the venue has been ongoing for three weeks, with dressing rooms and other facilities receiving significant upgrades.

"It's nice playing in front of your home fans," he said. "Work has been going on there over the last three weeks. The dressing rooms and other facilities are being upgraded significantly."

Recruitment spans borders

Regarding squad-building, Ayeni revealed that Doma United have brought in players from both within and outside Nigeria. The club's owner, Alhaji Suleiman Umar — widely known as Suleiman Umar Mai Doma — has insisted on recruiting only the best talent available, regardless of nationality.

"Right now, we have quite a number of them in camp. We're assessing them in pre-season matches to identify those who can adapt to our philosophy," said Ayeni.

Pre-season schedule puts players to the test

Doma United are among several NPFL clubs taking part in the 2026 Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/Select Pre-season Tournament in Enugu. The club also have a friendly against Enyimba in Aba scheduled for Sunday, before travelling to Abeokuta for the Gold Cup Tournament and to Ikene for the ValueJet Pre-season Tournament.

"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," Ayeni concluded.