Nwankwo Kanu has sounded loud and clear to players and officials of Heartland that the executive governor of Imo state – the club’s sponsor, Emeka Ihedioha, will stand behind them in their quest for national and continental honours, Completesports.com reports.
The Arsenal and Nigeria Legend was last week appointed by Governor Ihedioha as his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Sports.
‘Papilo’, as the leggy former Super Eagles captain is called, spoke when he paid an unscheduled visit to the Okigwe training camp of Heartland.
“The governor’s genuine desire to rebuild Imo also includes the sports sector. Sports will be reinvigorated in the state so as to return its glorious days,” Kanu said.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Ambassador who won many trophies and individual awards during his illustrious career advised the players on the commitment that can help them improve the team’s aspiration as well as making them successful players individually.
“You are aware that His Excellency, Governor Emeka Ihedioha, is a major fan of Heartland FC and Arsenal FC of England.
“So he is poised to make the club, Heartland, one of the best in the country and Africa as it used to be when it was formerly known as Iwuanyanwu Nationale,” Kanu assured.
Kanu played for then Iwuanyanwu Nationals after joining up from Works United, Owerri, in 1992.
In 1993, he was called up to the Golden Eaglets squad by coach Fanny Amun, helping the team to win the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Japan alongside Mobi Oparaku who is now the Team Manager of Heartland.
By Sab Osuji
