The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Chinedu Efugh

  • Efugh unfazed facing former coach

    Efugh unfazed facing former coach

    Heartland captain and  centre-back, Chinedu Efugh has said there is no cause for alarm facing newcomers, FC Taraba tutored by his former coach, Ndubuisi Nduka.

    The Naze Millionaires are guests of FC Taraba in today’s Glo Premier League match day 15 encounter at the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo.

    Efugh whose side laboured to pick a point against neighbours, Abia Warriors last Wednesday in Owerri said he is looking forward to a good game that will end their away chase for three points.

    “It’s a usual game nothing spectacular confronting a side handled by our former coach, Ndubuisi Nduka.

    “Certainly, it’ll be a cracker that offers none of the sides any special opportunity or privilege.

    “We’ve worked very hard hopefully things will greatly change in our favour against FC Taraba.

    “We’ve suffered series of hard luck in our past matches which has seen us drop points despite playing perfectly well.

    “Although,we’ve difficulties converting our chances, I’m hopeful to end the search for three points or worst case take home a point once there is a level playing ground.

    “We’ll fight hard to avoid defeat as further drop of points will hurt us badly as shown on our position on the log,” said the former Enugu Rangers strong man to supersport.com.

    Heartland occupy the 17th position on the 20-team elite league log on 17 point from a possible 42.

  • Heartland players extend stay

    Heartland players extend stay

    Most of the players of Heartland of Owerri have shown their readiness to remain with the Naze Millionaires after close to 22 that were retained from last season’s purge committed their future to the club for another season.

    Heartland Chairman, Fan Ndubuoke told SportingLife that 20 players were asked to seek jobs elsewhere from the 43 players on their payroll last season.

    Ndubuoke hinted that most of the players that featured for Heartland last season and have been linked with other clubs are those dropped from the team for various offences.

    He hinted that with the exemption of Ikechukwu Ibenegbu who has asked to leave the Owerri side and Chinedu Efugh who is yet to sign a new deal, all the others have all complied and extended their stay with the Naze Millionaires.

    Ndubuoke noted that players of the clubs that are owed signing on fees and other emoluments have been told they would be settled based on the arrangements they have with the Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.

    The former Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN)’s national president said that with the abolition of the signing on fees for an enhanced salary structure, the incessant strike actions will cease.

    Heartland ended last Premier League season in 11th spot with 52 points from 38 matches. They also surrendered their back-to-back Federation Cup success at the quarter finals stage to Akwa United in Kaduna.

  • Efugh undecided on future

    Efugh undecided on future

    Heartland centre-back, Chinedu Efugh has said he is undecided on his future concerning the 2013/14 Glo Premier League season.

    The Heartland captain fought hard to ensure the Naze Millionaires maintain their status in the top flight as they finished their campaign in the out gone season in 11th position on 52 points.

    Efugh said he wants to know the programme on offer at the Owerri-based side before he decides on the next move.

    “I want to know what Heartland have for us before I make the next move. I believe it is proper for one to know what his team has on offer, at least, that will help one to arrive at a decision. That’s why I’ve decided to lie low, fold my arms and watch developments unfold but I know for sure that in no distant time some decisions will be taken,” said the former Enugu Rangers man to supersport.com.

    Efugh said several clubs have made approaches to him but he has asked for more time to take a stand on the offers.

    “I’ve been approached for a switch by several clubs, discussions are still ongoing somewhere outside Heartland but I’ve politely told the teams to allow me time to finalise things with my club before I give them my final word.

    “I’ll like to smoothen things out with Heartland so that if for any reason I decide to move on it will be very peaceful,” Efugh said.

  • I’m leaving Heartland FC for good, says Efugh

    Chinedu Efugh, the Captain, Heartland FC of Owerri, said on Tuesday that he would be leaving the club for good.

    Efugh told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that his decision to call it quits was prompted by non-payment of his salary arrears. NAN reports that the Owerri-based club had been embroiled in internal crisis triggered by unsettled wages of players.

    He said:“I do not think I am going to play for the club this coming season; they are owing us for about three seasons. I’m I expected to continue like that? The problem is that they are not putting our welfare into consideration.

    “And considering the economic situation of the country it is not fair … most of us are bread winners of our families.’’

    On his teammates’ reaction to the issue, Efugh said his decision to leave the club was personal stressing that: “Everybody will bear his own cross. With the way they have treated us, I do not think most players will be willing to stay.’’

    Efugh, however, said he had yet to take a decision on his next move – what to do.

    Meanwhile, Cajetan Nkwopara, the Media Officer of Heartland, told NAN that he was not aware that Efugh was calling it quits with the club. He added that the club was on the verge of getting the salary issues resolved before the commencement of the 2013/2014 league season.

    “Management is taking this issue as its top priority. We will try and resolve this before the new season kicks off. This is an unfortunate incident and we intend to resolve it. We appeal to the players to please bear with us, we are waiting for higher authorities to wade into this before the season kicks off.’’

    NAN also reports that the 2012/2013 Globacom Premier League season which ended Oct. 20 is scheduled to kick off on Nov. 22.

  • I’m leaving Heartland FC for good, says Efugh

    I’m leaving Heartland FC for good, says Efugh

    Chinedu Efugh, the Captain, Heartland FC of Owerri, said on Tuesday that he would be leaving the club for good.

    Efugh told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that his decision to call it quits was prompted by non-payment of his salary arrears. NAN reports that the Owerri-based club had been embroiled in internal crisis triggered by unsettled wages of players.

    He said:“I do not think I am going to play for the club this coming season; they are owing us for about three seasons. I’m I expected to continue like that? The problem is that they are not putting our welfare into consideration.

    “And considering the economic situation of the country it is not fair … most of us are bread winners of our families.’’

    On his teammates’ reaction to the issue, Efugh said his decision to leave the club was personal stressing that: “Everybody will bear his own cross. With the way they have treated us, I do not think most players will be willing to stay.’’

    Efugh, however, said he had yet to take a decision on his next move – what to do.

    Meanwhile, Cajetan Nkwopara, the Media Officer of Heartland, told NAN that he was not aware that Efugh was calling it quits with the club. He added that the club was on the verge of getting the salary issues resolved before the commencement of the 2013/2014 league season.

    “Management is taking this issue as its top priority. We will try and resolve this before the new season kicks off. This is an unfortunate incident and we intend to resolve it. We appeal to the players to please bear with us, we are waiting for higher authorities to wade into this before the season kicks off.’’

    NAN also reports that the 2012/2013 Globacom Premier League season which ended Oct. 20 is scheduled to kick off on Nov. 22.