From Everest Ezihe,Owerri
As part of her strategic preparations for 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier League soccer season, Heartland Football Club of Owerri last week formally presented 30 newly signed players to the soccer-loving public in Imo State and Nigerians at large.
The colourful but historic unveiling ceremony held at the renovated Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri attracted football fans, sports administrators, enthusiasts, ex-soccer stars, top government officials and residents of the State who were excited to welcome the new players.
Technical Adviser/Manager of Heartland FC, Emmanuel Amuneke who presented the new team gave names of the new players as Elvis Ori (Bayelsa United), Kelvin Ogunga (Bayelsa United), Udochukwu Anumudu (Abia Warriors), Louis Umoh Anthony (Heartland Feeders), Alex Godwin (Niger Tornadoes), Julius Namitanie (Giant Brillars), Offor Emmanuel Chibueze (Giant Brillars), Adoh Chuks Frank (De First Atlanta FA), Ebuka Nwokoecha (Diamond FA).
Others include; Olanrewaju Molade (Giant Brillars), Chukwudi Agor (Giant Brillars), Ikwu Ejike (Rangers International FC), Osinachi Wilson (Eagle Eye), Nnaemeka Christian Nkwo (Giant Brillars), Ezra David (Superstars FA), Uchenna David (Foster FA)
Bobo Chubuike (Dynamic Shuttle), Onuwa Temple Chigozirim (Er7), Chikamso Obasi (De Gideons FA),Nkemakolam Chigozie Godwin (Umuakuma FA),Chukwuma Chinedu (Taiye Academy).
Also in the list are; Kelvin Onah (Legacy Stars),Samuel Wisdom (Giant Brillars), Emmanuel Charles (Rangers International FC), Joshua Odo (Rangers International FC), Suraju Lawal (Giant Brillars), Chukwuma Agoha (Brighter Tomorrow FC),Obinna Okere (Brighter Tomorrow), Benjamin Victor (Brighter Tomorrow) and Chukwuma Agor (Brighter Tomorrow).
Amuneke in his brief remark, expressed confidence in the new players pointing out that they are young, fit, energetic and products of prudent and strenuous screening process with the vision of restoring the glory of the State-owned team.
Performing the unveiling ceremony, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State disclosed that hiring of the new players was necessitated by the commitment of his administration to reposition Heartland FC to return to the winning ways again.
Uzodimma who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, recalled with dismay that the State club had not won the national premier league for many years but declared that the new team has come to change the ugly narrative.
According to the Governor, “for years the team has not carried the NPFL Cup, but will do it this coming season. We are ready to do everything necessary to support Heartland FC, Owerri to lift the trophy.
“The team is ready with the crop of new young players and experienced technical team led by the Technical Adviser/Manager.”
Highlight of the unveiling ceremony was a novelty match between Heartland new players and Kun Khalifa FC which the Naze Millionaires won and went home with the trophy of the maiden Dan Anyiam Cup.
Earlier in the day, a minute silence was observed in honour of late Coach Christian Obi, of Heartland who died in a ghastly auto crash a fortnight ago.
The governor’s representative, Barr. Anyaehie was accompanied by the Deputy Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, Hon. Emeka Okonkwo, the State Commissioner for Special Duties and Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha among others.
