The General Manager of Heartland) Chief Chukwudi Ifeanyi(pictured above) has revealed that players of Iwuanyanwu Nationale [now Heartland FC] who lost their lives in the September 18, 1994 Oriental Airline crash in Tamaransett, Southern Algeria, would be commemorated as ‘Fallen Heroes’ on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, exactly 25 years after plane mishap, Completesports.com.
The memorial activities will commence 8.00 am at the Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri with a candle procession and prayers, after which a march around Owerri will commence and end at Mr Fan’s Place for refreshments.
The plane crash which took place 25 years ago, claimed the lives of goalkeeper Uche Ikeogu and defender Aimwola Omale.
The team was on its way back home after a CAF Champions League match away to Esperance of Tunisia which the Nigerian champions lost 3-0.
The Heartland boss made this landmark revelation during a chat with ex players of Iwuanyanwu Nationale in Owerri.
The Heartland’s supremo assured the body of the club’s support, urging for a symbiotic relationship between the club and her ex players.
Chief Ifeanyi confirmed that the management will be playing a pivotal role in the memorial celebrations.
“In addition, the club has decided to honour Elder Iheanacho (Medic) who was among those that survived the crash and served the club for over two decades.
“Elder Iheanacho would be honoured during Heartland’s first home game in the upcoming NPFL Season,” Solomon Onu, Heartland Director of Media and Communication said in a statement made available to Completesports.com.
The new Heartland boss thus urged the Ex players to feel free to approach his office as he is operating an open door policy, insisting that his doors will always be open to listen to their concerns, advise and constructive criticisms.
Spokesman for the Ex-Iwuanyanwu Nationale players Mr Casmir Mbachu, appreciated the management of the club under the leadership of Ifeanyi, pledging their support to the club and management, through advice and mentorship.
Both parties resolved to work in sync with one another for the benefit of the club and people of Imo State.
Nicholas Ukadike, Casmir Mbachu, Collins Amadi, Chukwudi Nwaigbo, Obinna Obiaka and Jonathan Ubanwa were among the former Iwuanyanwu Nationale players who were present at the meeting.
Chief Chukwudi Ifeanyi (GM), Neville Okere (Secretary), Ifeanyi Ekwueme (Sporting Director 1), Promise Nwachukwu (Sporting Director 2), Sam Anozie (Chief Scouting officer), Sunny Black Ogbeka (scouting officer) were among the Heartland FC management committee members at the meeting.
By Sab Osuji
