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Tag: Heartland

  • Heartland gives Obi, Nwachukwu two-match ultimatum

    Heartland gives Obi, Nwachukwu two-match ultimatum

    The management of Heartland FC of Owerri has handed a two-match ultimatum to the team’s Technical Adviser Christian Obi following a poor run of results in the NPFL.

    The Management was dissatisfied with the present state of the club despite support from the government through Commissioner for Sports, Emeka Okoronkwo.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Heartland matters, Sir Emmanuel Ochiagha bemoaned the administrative flaws of the management alongside the recruitment process.

    “The good People of Imo State deserve better, the team lacks leadership and accountability henceforth, the Technical Adviser must work hand in glove with the Management,” he said.

    Read Also: Friendlies: Rivers United dismantle Enyimba as Akwa United edge Heartland

    Hon. Okoronkwo expressed disappointment at the current state of the club despite the government providing for the needs of the team even as he faulted the actions of some management members and demanded a change immediately.

    It was resolved that the duo of Coach Christian Obi and the General Manager Promise Nwachukwu has two games to save their jobs.

    The management reiterated that only a win in the next two games against Abia Warriors (away) and Rivers United (home) will suffice.

    In another related event the Management of Heartland has dissociated itself from a fictitious report which claimed that players were held hostage after Matchday four game against Katsina United.

    The supporters club only protested to the management concerning the team’s poor form and demanded a change.

  • Pre-Season friendly: Heartland, Rangers battle to a draw

    Pre-Season friendly: Heartland, Rangers battle to a draw

    Heartland FC have been held to a 1-1 draw by Enugu Rangers in a friendly game played at the Awka Township Stadium, Awka yesterday evening as the 2023-24 NPFL season gathers momentum.

    All the NPFL clubs have been involving themselves in friendly games as they step up their preparations for the commencement of the season tentatively fixed for September 10th.

    The two Oriental brothers sized themselves up in Awka but they could only cancel out each other in the game and had to settle for a draw.

    Read Also: Imo bans Heartland FC fan over assault on club official

    Joel Okoro fired the Flying Antelopes ahead in the 44th minute but Tunde Oyewole restored parity for Heartland in the second half to ensure the Naze Millionaires secure a share of the spoils.

    In another friendly game played in Uyo, Abia Warriors who were reduced to 10 players got a 1-1 draw against FC One Rocket. Daniel Saga equalised for the NNL side in the dying moments of the game from the spot.

  • Heartland GM named Club Owners’ Coordinator

    Heartland GM named Club Owners’ Coordinator

    • .Rangers’ Ezeaku  is Assistant Secretary

    Heartland’s General Manager Promise Nwachukwu has been elected the Coordinator of the club owners.

    The event which took place at the Sandralia Hotel in Abuja yesterday also saw the emergence of new Rangers CEO Amobi Ezeaku as Assistant Secretary of the body.

    Nwachukwu was chosen by a unanimous Vote from the NPFL Club Owners to assume the new role of the Co-ordinator of the group.

    Read Also: Uzodimma lauds Heartland for winning NNL

    Nwachukwu , a former player, has grown through the ranks in football administration in Nigeria.

    He assisted Emeka Iwuagwu as Assistant Team Manager during the days of Chief Okehialam as Heartland’s Chairman. He rose to become the Team Manager under Chief Fan Ndubuoke winning five trophies in two years which included two FA Cup back to back triumphs in 2011and 2012.

    He rose to the role of Sporting director and later General Coordinator all at Heartland before ascending the stairs to become General Manager in 2021.

    Mr Nwachukwu surely understands his craft as regards the round leather game by leaving his imprints in the football space.

    This new assignment throws up a fresh challenge and another opportunity to excel in the Nigerian football fraternity.

  • 25 years after: Heartland holds Memorial Service for Crash Victims

     

    The popular saying that blood is thicker than water came to the fore Wednesday as Heartland of Owerri went back memory lane to remember and pray for their players who died in Oriental plane crash in 1994.

    The Nazi Millionaires organised a memorial service to honour the dead on one hand and celebrate with the survivors on the other.

    Heartland who hope to record impressive run in the premier league this season following beef up in management and renewed interest by new state Governor Emeka Ihedioha, took to the social media to recall the ugly incident stating “25 years on. We remember the 18th September 1994 Oriental Plane Crash at Tamanrasset Algeria which left a painful dent”

    The club further recalls that “On this day 25 years ago, at exactly 7:45 am, the dark clouds gathered, a “Big Bang” a moment of confusion, shouts, screams and people moaning in pains.

    That was how the saddest day in the history of Heartland came calling. Today a fire brigade alarm is expected to sound at 7:45 am to mark the events of that tragic day of sorrow and pains in a symbolic gesture of paying tribute to the five victims of the Oriental Airline that crashed into a fire brigade building at the Agenat Airport Tamanrasset Algeria.

    Down Memory land: The ill-fated oriental airline plane

    The ill-fated flight of September 18, 1994 had players and officials of the then Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland of Owerri) who were in a quest for continental honours.

    A year before, the Zambian National team perished in similar circumstance but the case of the Iwuanyanwu Nationale players was different as many miraculously survived the crash”

    The dead players were midfielder, Eghomwanre ‘Omale’ Aimanmwosa, and goalkeeper Uche Ikeogu.

    Also dead were the pilot who was identified as Captain Amaechi; the co-pilot, Captain Chinedu Ogbonna and an air steward, Obiageli Ezeh.

    Badly injured were Okon Ating and 20 others. Among the lucky survivors are former Nigerian skippers, Christian Chukwu, former National Sports Commission director, Steve Olarinoye Bola Oyeyode of the Nigeria Football Federation and Chief Amanze Uchegbulam former NFF 1st Vice president.

     

     

     

     

  • Heartland fans optimistic as club unveils Fidelis Ilechukwu

     

    Fans of Owerri based Premier league side Heartland, are hoping that the coming of Fidelis Ilechukwu as coach of the side will mark a return to winning ways when the Nazi Millionaires were too hot for comfort.

    Some of the fans who expressed their views Monday following the unveiling of the former Mountain of Fire and Miracle (MFM) sweat merchant maintained that Heartland is a club with history, experienced enough to stand at par with known top clubs in the African continent. Heartland according to them should not only return to 80s when it won the league back to back but should indeed become a regular in the CAF Champions league and Confederation Cup respectively.

    While expressing optimism that Ilechukwu will bring his wealth of experience to bear on his new assignment, some called on the state government to ensure maximum support for the new coach and as his technical crew.

    “For those who have been watching the league closely it was apparently that the new coach enjoyed the support of the Church that own the club he last handled, management of Heartland must ensure he gets the support to perform, “they said

    Ilechukwu who was unveiled Monday in Owerri is crossing over after 13 years with MFM otherwise called the Olukoya Boys.

    His sojourn with MFM yielded a lot of fruits as he led the club from the nationwide league to the Nigeria National league then to the Premier league and even taking them to play in the CAF Champions League.

    Die-hard Nigeria Professional Football League followers who have watched him command his troops at their home ground, Agege Stadium otherwise called the Temple; describe him as a good coach capable of delivering with the right support.

    Sportinglife.ng gathered that Imo State’s new Governor Hon. Emeka Ihedioha is eager to see the club maintain an enviable position and become the team to beat not only in the country but beyond.

    Heartland which was founded as Spartans later transformed to Iwuanyanwu Nationale and then Heartland.

    The Nazi Millionaires last won the premier league in 1993. Prior to winning the league that year, the club had clinched the league back to back four times 1987, 1988, 1989, and 1990.

     

    Read Also: Six top NPFL clubs chase MFM Coach, Ilechukwu

  • Heartland woo fans ahead Go Round clash in Okigwe

     

    Still basking in the euphoria of their lone goal away victory over Nasarawa united at the weekend, Heartland have given their supporters a pat on the back for standing by the team all the way.

    The Nazi Millionaires who can be said to have re-structured ahead of the new season by engaging a whole lot of fresh legs, believe they stand a good chance of pulling weight this season.

    The five premier league and three time FA cup winners believe the away victory will further serve as a huge ginger ahead of weekend fixture against Go Round Fc at the new Okigwe Stadium even as they called on their supporters to troop out in large numbers to support the boys.

    One of the young chaps making it happen for the Owerri based side is Samuel Nnoshiri and the team did not hesitate to celebrate his contribution in tie against Nasarawa United. “What a way to get three points away from home than 17 year old Samuel Nnoshiri calmly beating his marker and banging the roof of the Nassarawa United goal. And what an assist from Nnamdi Egbujor! YES! Heartland is back! #NPFL19″ the club enthused while announcing #NPFL our next game comes up this Wednesday at the sparkling new Okigwe Stadium. Once again, we will be counting on your support to cheer the lads to victory”

    Heartland began the season with a lone goal defeat to Kano Pillars in Kano, recovered quickly to hammer Plateau United 3-0 in their second match before grabbing an impressive lone goal away victory against Nasarawa United.

    The Nigeria Professional football league (NPFL) is featuring 24 teams for the first time, and many have hailed the successful take off of the new season.

    Meanwhile a number of soccer fans who spoke with Sportinglife.ng on the kickoff of the season say the League management board must do everything to curb incessant fracas that have been the trademark of the league.

    A situation where the possibility of having a fight before, during, or after a match cannot be ruled out, they reasoned cannot attract the much needed fans to our match venues.

    Some frowned at the banishing of teams and playing behind closed doors as punitive measure suggesting instead that deduction points in what they dubbed “Operation three goals and three points” will do the magic. “If a team knows three points will be deducted and three goals awarded to the harassed or attacked team, they will be more careful” they chorused while reacting to the fracas that occurred in the match between Remo Stars and returning premier league side Insurance of Benin.

     

     

     

  • New season: Heartland in vintage position to excel-Osia

     

    Newly acquired Heartland defender Felix Osia, has predicted bright future for the Owerri based side as premier league clubs tidy lose ends ahead of the January 13  kick off of the Nigeria professional football league.

    The former FC Ifeanyiubah ace described Heartland as one club he has always wanted to play for, noting that the team spirit and team work that has become the new anthem of the team is sure to fire it to greater heights.

    “I have always wanted to play for Heartland and I am glad I have gotten the opportunity.  I love the team work and team spirit in the club and I believe this will help us a lot,” he enthused.

    Coach of the side Mahmet tyfun said the Nazi millionaires are looking forward to the new season after fortifying all departments of the team.  Heartland unveiled 18 new players ahead of the new season with players like former Enyimba ace

    Chinozie Okonkwo , ready to bring their experience to bear on Heartland’s desire not only to reclaim a place of pride in the elite league but also aspire for a slot in the continent. The new season will see 24 teams as opposed to the usual 20 teams competing. The four new teams have joined the elite league are Insurance of Benin, Kada Stars, Gombe united and Remo Stars.  Five time league winners Heartland last clinched the title in 1993.

    Fans of the club believe the team need a serious push to regain the fight to the finish spirit for which it has been known in the past.

    The three time FA cup champions many of the fans say appear however to be ready to turn things around especially with the recruitment of new players ahead of the new season.

    Those who spoke to Sportinglife.ng challenged the state government to give the team the needed support noting that it takes maximum support from management, players and fans for any team to do well in the league and by implication on the continent. Heartland last appeared on the continent in 2013, competing in the CAF Confederation cup after emerging FA cup champions in 2012. The team however failed to go past the first round.

  • Ref Attack: LMC fines Heartland N4million

     

    *deducts three points

    *orders team to play behind closed doors

    Premier league contenders Heartland of Owerri have been handed a fine of N4million by the League management committee (LMC) following the attack on match officials by fans of the club in the tie between Heartland and Plateau United.

    A breakdown of the fine indicate that the Nazi Millionaires are to pay N1million for the attack on match officials, pay N1.5million to as compensation to match officials, another N1million for issuing public statement capable of bringing the league to dispute and N500,000 for failure to use and issue match tickets for record and crowd control purposes.

    Series of tweets dished out by the league Management Committee on Friday includes;

    “Heartland have also been fined N1m for assault on match officials after game vs Plateau Utd. The club will also pay N1.25m as compensation to the match officials

    “Heartland have been further fined N1m for issuing public statement capable of bringing the league to disrepute”

    Another N500, 000 fine will be paid by Heartland for failure to use & issue matchday tickets for record & crowd control purposes”

    The Owerri based club also had three points deducted from them.  But if you think that is the end of the story and the punishment you are indeed very wrong.  Team Manager Mobi Oparaku has been suspended from all NPFL activities for the next matches while the team will play the next three matches behind closed doors. Matchday 18 game at the Dan Anyiam Stadium ended 1-1 and reports afterwards indicate that hell broke loose as Heartland supporters not satisfied with the result accusing the officials of deliberately extending the game unnecessarily thus handing Plateau united the advantage of equalising.

    Abiodun Thompson scored in the 21st minute to give Heartland the lead before a very late equaliser by Tosin Omoyele for Plateau in the 94th minute to earn the reigning champions an away point.

    Centre Referee Yusuff Garba was reportedly attacked alongside other officials Akaninye Udoette as the first assistant referee, Elisha Owolabi as the second assistant referee, and Felagha Awudola as the fourth official.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • We have dumped catch them young program-Oparaku

    We have dumped catch them young program-Oparaku

    Former Nigerian international Mobi Oparaku has frowned at what he called gradual dumping of the catch them young program in search of readymade players, insisting that it is tantamount to progressing in error.

    The former Eagles defender, who is current Team Manager of Premier league returnees Heartland of Owerri, recalled that he graduated from Under 17 to the senior team noting that there are a whole lot of benefits to be gained in graduating through the ranks to the top.

    The Atlanta Olympics champion observed that entry into the national team these depends mostly on where you are playing who is bringing you how much you are worth and other considerations that are counterproductive.

    Such method according to him does not encourage the discovery and grooming of younger players in the country. Any country that neglects the catch them young program of identifying and grooming younger generation of players according to him is only postponing the evils day.

    “In the past young players are discovered and gradually groomed to into the national team but now things are no longer that way. It now depends on who you know, who is bringing you, how much you are worth and all that. Things are no longer being done with mindset of developing a pool of young players with potentials to progress through the ranks,” he said

    On Eagles chances at the forth coming world cup in Russia, the former K.V. Turnhout of Belgium defender gave the team a pat on the back for picking a ticket to the Mundial but called for fight to the finish approach adding that no opponent should handled with kid gloves.

    “The players have to put their heads down and be disciplined, then they have to fight not only to project Nigeria’s image but also aim at surpassing what has been achieved in the past.  They just have to go all out in Russia,” he submitted

  • Returnee Heartland banking on lady luck

    Returnee Heartland banking on lady luck

     

    With barely 24 hours to the kick off the new Nigeria Premier League Season, all fillers indicate that returnee premier league side Heartland  did not have adequate preparations, but remain hopeful they can fly.

    The Owerri based side just back into the elite division after season relegation, are scheduled to host Sunshine Stars of Akure at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in their opening match of the season on Sunday, but will need every arsenal in their armory and luck  to avoid flagging off on a losing note.

    Some technical crew members and players who bared their minds ahead of the new season revealed that they neither had camping nor proper preparation for the new season but were unanimous in faith that mother luck and grace of God will see them through. A cross section of the Nazi Millionaires fans who reacted to development emanating from the team expressed worry that the club which has gone through a lot of changes in its 42 years of existence may be heading back to relegation if nothing urgent is done.

    Recall that the club was formerly known as Spartans then Iwuanyanwu Nationale before becoming Heartland of Owerri.

    A worried Goalkeeper of the side Ebere Obi described their state of unpreparedness as worrisome adding however that the players have resolved to simply put in their best and leave the rest to God.

    We didn’t have any preparation at all ,but I, as the last man of the defense and captain of the side Julius Ubido have resolved to ginger our teammates to go all out and put in their best no matter what and then leave the rest to God,” he said just after the Super Four held in Lagos. Heartland were beaten by both Remo Stars and Go Round FC.

    Coach of the side Ramson Madu who admitted that the team did not even prepare for the super four in which it participated, however said he has hope in God and hoping for the best in the new season.

    “We did not prepare but by the grace of God we will excel I know myself and I know we will do well not withstanding” he enthused

    Sunshine Stars  finished 10th on the log last season with 54 points in 38 matches. The Akure side towards the end of last season offloaded some players while engaging new ones to fortify with intent to rattle opponents in the new season.