The Imo state government has dissolved the management, technical crew and supporters of Heartland FC.
In a statement signed by the supervisor of the club and deputy Speaker of the Imo State house of assembly Rt. Hon. Ugonna Ozuruigbo, it was noted that former chairman of the club Chibuzor Etuemena has been appointed the new General Manager of the club while Oscar Keke returns as Chief Operating Officer. The statement further stated that a technical committee has been set up to advise on the composition of the new management team and technical crew with a view of returning the club to the Elite division in one season. The committee has Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri and Emeka Iwuagwu as members.
Heartland FC got relegated to the second division of Nigeria National League for the first time in fourty years, after poor result.
Heartland FC (formerly known as Iwuanyanwu Nationale 1985–06) Until their 17th place showing in 2016, they were one of two teams in the top flight that had never been relegated.
BRIEF HISTORY :
1987: Iwuanyanwu Nationale emerge League runners-up behind Leventis United on goal difference. But they later got the ticket to represent Nigeria in CAF Champions Cup following the disbandment of Leventis United.
1988: Iwuanyanwu Nationale repeat as League champions as well as winning Nigerian FA Cup for first time, beating Flash Flamingoes of Benin in cup final 3–0. Reach CAF Champions Cup final, winning 1–0 in first leg tie in Ibadan, losing 4–0 in Constantine, Algeria in return leg versus Entente Setif.
Meanwhile, it is no longer news that Heartland has lost its once prestigious status as one of the two clubs never to taste the sour waters of relegation. That is to say the Naze Millionaires have never being relegated to the second tier of Nigerian football until the just concluded term.
Heartland’s performance in the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season was shabby, to put it mildly.
Apart from poor officiating, which is the bane of progress in Nigeria football today, Heartland FC’s breakdown can be attributed to several other factors. Take for instance the lame preparation that preceded the season. There was no notable figure that joined the club and then, there was no exceptional talent who was scouted from the youth ranks.
In the mid season, due to financial incapability to commit regular and decent players, Heartland lost some names like Fortune Omoniwari, Hassan Babangin to Akwa United. Isaac Loute and Onyebuchi Ajunwa left for Oriental rivals, FC IfeanyiUbah. This had a serious negative impact on the team. The Owerri based side, through out the season, could not score more than two goals in a particular match. Heartland’s highest goal scorer ended the league with only four goals to his credit. Antonin Oussou that is.
As the reality dawns on supporters and followers of football in and around Owerri that Heartland will not feature in the NPFL, plans for survival the dreaded Nigerian National League (NNL) is now on ground.
Just coming in, is the news of an over hauling at the club. The state government has dissolved the management and has appointed former Chairman,
Goodfaith Etuemena as General manager, while Oscar Keke takes the post of Chief Operating officer. Withall the moves, one will only wonder who among the players will be committed to go down the rubble with the club.
Who is out?
Heartland FC beyond all doubts has some notable legs that have made a name for themselves in the Nigerian football scene. A player like Emeka Ogbugh who is at his limelight will definitely not fancy a thought of playing in the lower tier. Ogbugh was among the players who were selected to go for the La Liga tour some couple of weeks ago. The Imo State University graduate is likely to make a move abroad and it is certain that there are a lot of suitors around. A player of Ogbugh caliber and standard do not belong to the NNL.
Koffi Rowland is another player worthy of mention, not just in the Heartland fold, but also in the league as a whole. Credible sources have already started linking the Ivorian midfielder to top clubs in Africa and Europe. Hopes and strides to keep Koffi in Heartland are futile.
ChidebereAjoku rose to fame with is brilliant performances and was on target for Heartland in critical situations this season. Despite the drop Heartland experienced, Ajoku was one of the lads who contributed immensely. Heartland’s life in the lower division might not include the services of Ajoku. The forward will surely want to take his career higher than second tier football.
Ebere Obi was on the verge of joining FC IfeanyiUbahmid season, putting that into consideration, it is clear that Mikel Obi’s elder brother will want to move on with a club who can pay for his services. The likes of Skipper ChineduEfugh, EmekaAnyanwu, Julius Ubido, Omo Johnson and Antonin Oussou are experienced players who have put in years into football and have played premier league football for years. Holding them back at Heartland to persecute the NNL is likely not feasible. Their services will be valued elsewhere.
Who is in?
As the season drew to an end, the club began to introduce young bloods that are capable of springing up surprising. One player with great potential is Prince who performed above average for the little time he was given the opportunity. Prince will likely stay back in order to have more playing time and to gain more experience in the game. Emmanuel Mathew’s services will be valuable to the club in the case where big names like Julius Ubido or Nelson Ogbonna quit. The lad showed great potentials last season, but in the just concluded season, he did not get enough playing time to showcase his talent. Players’ commitment to the club will be tested in this circumstances Heartland has found itself.
