[3] Emenalo began his career in his native Nigeria before moving to the United States, where he attended college at and played for Boston University, from 1985 to 1988.

Emenalo was part of the original allocated players for Major League Soccer and spent two seasons (1996–97) with the San Jose Clash.

[citation needed] Emenalo became director of player development at the Tucson Soccer Academy in the US in 2006,[6] before joining the coaching staff at Chelsea when former manager Avram Grant was in charge in 2007.

[7] After the departure of Ray Wilkins, Emenalo was promoted from his position as chief scout to assistant first team coach on 18 November 2010.

[9][10] He completely restructured the club's academy, scouting, loan and women's team setups, and is credited as a key figure behind the club's success having overseen the scouting and transfers of key players including Juan Mata, Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, N'Golo Kanté, Eden Hazard, and Cesc Fàbregas.