In big development and sigh of relief to some fraction of the Heartland FC supporters in respect to Christian Obi after been officially reinstated to his managerial post which was previously occupied by Kennedy Boboye, the directive from the Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodinma is undoubtedly one that the team handlers’ can’t shun but with his return to the team, can the fans and stakeholders hope for better results amidst woeful runs, inconsistent performance and the fight to keep their NPFL top-flight status.
It will be noteworthy to know that prior to Boboye’s appointment, the five times NPFL champions were yet to pick a win in nine games with Obi’s last game on the touchline coming in the 1-1 draw against Sporting Lagos in Lagos as opposed to Boboye’s seven games run where he lost three, won three and drew only one.
One would think Hope has come for Heartland FC after title winning Boboye was appointed back in November to salvage the season but with not more than three to four games in charge, he was let off the hook into the colds with reports that there was no legal document to back up his contract with the club, he signed off with an emotional 3-1 against Remo Stars after he was informed that he wont be going further with the team.
With football being a game of results, Kennedy who has a vast knowledge of the league, game, players and top teams in the NPFL is undoubtedly one of the great choice to lead the team out of this doom but nonetheless, we wouldn’t quickly despise the good works of coach Obi who has been at the helm of affairs for quiet some years and also leading them to the NPFL promotion.
The President of NFCA Dr Ladan Bosso has clarified that there is little or nothing the association could do to assist their colleague in Kennedy Boboye without legal document.
This is beyond football and results as it seems, many deemed the treatment of Boboye as cruel and many are also happy with Obi’s return, what happens next at the end of season will give a clearer picture as to the vision and mission of the management of Heartland FC beyond just participating year in year out, keeping their top-flight status or if there’s more and the team can actually push healthily for a title and also a continental slot.
Now the question that remains unanswered is the tie that Christian Obi has with the governor, is he the only coach fit to take charge of the club or is the managerial position a lifetime seat for him, are we ever going to see Heartland compete at the top level, what’s the management project for the club and will all this saga end anytime soon?
As communicated by the team media officer, the Naze Millionaires have since the return of the tactician on Monday, intensified its preparations for the Matchday 17 tie with Niger Tornadoes scheduled for Kaduna in big .
Heartland FC are striving to consolidate on their 3-1 home win over Remo Stars and they will be motivated to get one over Tornadoes who are 18th on the league table with 16 points from 16 games.
The team trained at the St Mary’s Catholic Church Azaraubo Emekuku’s pitch, on Tuesday before switching to Police College Ihiagwa for Wednesday and Thursday’s sessions with emphasis on tactical drills.
Christian Obi and his technical crew members must fashion out a positive result at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna on Sunday against Niger Tornadoes who are desperate to return to winning ways following their recent unimpressive results.
The Owerri side left for Kaduna on Friday morning to be in good stead to have the mandatory one training session at the venue of the game on Saturday before the Sunday clash.
Can Christian Obi turn the tides around after pulling strings of his return? We will see.
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