Sports | Heartland Unveils new players
Heartland Unveils new players
... as Akarachi Promises 1million to beat Nasarawa United
Five time Nigeria Premier League Champions, Heartland FC of Owerri, yesterday unveiled her new players in a colourful ceremony at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.
Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Kennedy Ibeh alongside "Mr Capacity" Rt Hon Amara Iwuanyanwu and the acting General Manager, Mr Promise Nwachukwu, unveiled Heartland's new players before the media, fans and other top government officials.
First in the klieg lights was the former Ifeanyi Ubah attacker,Nonso Nzediegwu who made ten goal contributions last season (6 goals and 4 assists) and he was handed the club's number 7 jersey.
Chinedu Ohanachom, a former Heartland striker, returning for a 3rd spell with the Naze Millionaires , was also unveiled at the occasion; Ohanachom played for the Owerri side's match day 1 opponents this term, Nasarawa United last season.
Other players unveiled include Samuel Okon from Calabar Rovers , a left back who won the U-17 world cup in 2013 , Solomon Moses, also a left back from Gombe United, Victor Awoji,a center back from DMD of Maiduguri, Ebuka Okoro was signed from Warri Wolves while veteran goalkeeper Godwin Paul arrived from Wikki Tourists, Femi Thomas a former Nigerian international goalkeeper joined from South East rivals Rangers International of Enugu , Victor Makalala, a striker from Warri Wolves, Jonas Emmanuel from Kwara United, Jonathan Alukwu formerly of Calabar Rovers and highly experienced former Enyimba of Aba Captain Andrew Abalogu were also all unveiled.
Peter Nwadike, a former Heartland Striker has also returned to the fold.
Chukwudi Nwaodu was announced and decorated as the new captain of Heartland by Engr Akarachi Amadi, Chairman of Akarachi Foundation and a major financial supporter of the team.
Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, RT Hon Kennedy Ibeh, Deputy Speaker Rt Hon Amara Iwuanyanwu , Majority Leader Hon Anayo, Chief Whip ,Hon Chigozie Nwaneri, Member representing Ideato South State Constituency , Hon Johnson Duru,Special Assistant to the Governor on religious affairs Rev Nwanevu were among the top government officials in attendance.
Meanwhile, Heartland's major partner Engineer Akarachi Amadi promised the club the sum of 1 million naira if the club beats Nasarawa United in today's opening match of the new NPFL season.
Engr Akarachi made the pledge during the unveiling ceremony of the club's new recruits.
Reacting, Rt Hon Kennedy Ibeh appreciated the magnanimity of Engr Akarachi and urged other well meaning Imolites to partner and support the Heartland brand. He also commended the deputy Speaker Rt Hon Amara Iwuanyanwu for his drive and concerted efforts towards repositioning Heartland for greater efficiency and productivity.
Commisioner of Youth and Sports Development, Hon Dan Ogu assured the players that the government will fulfill her obligations towards the team and tasked them to be disciplined and focused ahead of the new season.
Heartland will take on Nasarawa United of Lafia this evening by 4 pm.
