Heartland F.C.

Football club infobox
clubname = Heartland


fullname = Heartland Football Club
nickname = Naze Millionaires
founded = 1976
ground = Dan Anyiam Stadium
Owerri, Nigeria
capacity = 10,000
chairman = Ignatius Okeahialam
manager = flagicon|Bulgaria Mitko Dobrev
league = Nigerian Premier League
season = 2007-08
position = 2nd

Heartland F.C (until 2006 known as Iwuanyanwu Nationale) is a Nigerian soccer club based in Owerri. Other than local rivals Enugu Rangers, they are one of two Nigerian teams that have never been relegated. Originally founded as Spartans FC, they won the the Nigerian championship four years running from 1987-1990. [http://sports123.com/foo/mngr.html] . Their first international (friendly) match was against Ararats F.C. of the USSR which Spartans won 2-0 at the Township Stadium, Tetlow Road, Owerri, in August 1976. [http://www.nigeriansportsonline.com/home.php?Show=ShowLink&LinkId=4&A=10] They play their home games at Dan Anyiam Stadium, but while it is being renovated they will play games in 2008 at the Samuel Okwaraji Memorial Stadium in Orlu.

Milestones

Nov. 1985: Spartans FC renamed Iwuanyanwu Nationale FC following a successful change of ownership from Imo State Government to chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

Jan. 1986: Iwuanyanwu Nationale embark on a 3-week training tour of Brazil. The club finished runner-up of Nigerian top league.

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.

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, wining 1-0 in first leg tie in Ibadan, losing 4-0 in Constantine, Algeria in return leg versus Entente Setif.

1989: Retain league title but lost FA Cup following 0-1 loss in final to BCC Lions.

1990: Iwuanyanwu Nationale beat Stationery Stores of Lagos in Lagos in professional League's comemorative game 2-1. Nationale went on to emerge first pro league winners in Nigeria.

1991: Nationale lose league title to Julius Berger, crash out of CAF Champions Cup to Nakivubo of Uganda in quarterfinal.

1993: Club regain league title following a 2-0 away victory over El-Kanemi Warriors in last league fixture to edge out Bendel Insurance to the title race.

1994: Reach champions cup quarterfinal. Lose 3-0 to Esperance of Tunisia in first leg tie, September 18. Aboard a chartered Oriental Airline, the team suffered an aircrash at Tamanrasset, Southern Algeria same night. Two players, defender Aimola Omale and goalkeeper Uche Ikeogu lost their lives.CAF consequently shifted the return leg match in Owerri from October 3, to October 10. Nationale crashed out following a 1-1 draw in the return leg match.

1999: Emerged regular league champions but lost title to Lobi Stars of Makurdi in the inaugural Super League playoff.

2005: Finished third in premier league and also in the Coca-Cola FA Cup with coach Stanley Eguma in charge.

2006: Imo State Government re-acquire ownership of the club on February 7 from chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, re-naming it Heartland FC. [ [http://www.nigeriansportsonline.com/home.php?Show=ShowLink&LinkId=4&A=10 ThirdSphere.com - This account has been suspended ] ]

2008: Finished second in premier league by one point to Kano Pillars, earned a Champions League slot.

Achievements

* Nigerian Premier League: 5:: 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993

* Nigerian FA Cup: 1:: 1988

* African Cup of Champions Clubs:: 1988 (runners-up)

Performance in CAF Competitions

* African Cup of Champions Clubs: 4 appearances::1988: "Finalist"::1989: Second Round::1990: Semi-Final::1991: Semi-Final

* CAF Confederation Cup: 1 appearance::2006 - Group Stage

* CAF Cup: 1 appearance::2000 - Semi-Final

Current Squad 2008/09

Heartland Continental Trophy Committee

* Ikedi Ohakim (Governor of Imo State)
* Tony Chukwu (Chief of Heartland F.C.)
* Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri (Office Holder of Imo State)
* Nwankwo Kanu (Footballer of Portsmouth F.C.)
* Peterside Idah - (former Footballer)
* Amanze Uchegbulam (First vice chairman of the NFA)
* Ignatius Okeahilam (National Club-Chief)
* Harry Awurumibe (Nigeria women football Journalist)
* Emeka Duru (Office Holder of Imo State)
* Mitchel Obi - (former Footballer)
* Emma Oparanozie- chief accountant
* Cajetan Nkwopara - Media officer
* Kelechi Emetole - Club Manager
* Ikechukwu Ukaegbu - ardent supporter

Coaching Staff
* Okey Emordi - Chief Coach
* Ivan Olev, coach
* Ben Iroha, Chief trainer,consultant
* Promise Nwachukwu, Assistant Team Manager
* Chijioke Osuagwu - Chief Coach Team ‘B’
* Emma Osuigwe - Assistant Coach Team ‘B’

Transfers

"In:"
* Owusu Addai - Liberty Professionals F.C.
* Kabiru Alausa - Sunshine Stars F.C.
* Aziz Ansah - Great Olympics
* Signs Chibambo - Nakambala Leopards F.C.
* Ikechukwu Ezenwa - Ocean Boys F.C.
* Isaac Amkwa Amponsah - Prempeh College
* Peter Stanev - Akademic Sofia

"Out:"
* Obinna Nwokolo - Enyimba International F.C.
* Romanus Orjinta - Niger Tornadoes F.C.
* Bob Osim - UNICEM Rovers F.C.

Former Stars

*Abiodun Baruwa
*Vincent Enyeama
*Emeka Ifejiagwa
*Benedict Iroha
*Uche J Ekeocha
*Finidi George
*Nwankwo Kanu
*Ajibade Kunde Babalade
*Chidi Nwanu
*Mutiu Adegoke
*Paul Obiefule
*Mobi Oparaku
*Uche Okechukwu
*Isaac Okoronkwo
*Thompson Oliha
*Mobi Oparaku
*Arinze Ewenike
*Ikechukwu Uche
*Emeka Ifejiagwa
*Philip Obhafuoso
*Henry Nwosu
*Kalu Uche
*Romanus Orjinta
*Bob Usim
*Benedict Idahor
*Yakubu Adamu
*Isaac Semitoje
*Lucky Idahor
*Friday Elaho
*Michael Obiku
*Blessing Anyanwu
*Michael Nwankwo
*Eric Obinna
*Yakubu Adamu
*Augustine Fregene
*Chidi Odiah
*Darlington Omodiagbe

References

* [http://www.kickoffnigeria.com/static/news/article.php?id=2510 Heartland get Bulgarian striker]
* [http://www.triumphnewspapers.com/hear2492008.html Heartland promise better days]