Sports
Heartland Awaits N130m Bailout To Settle Debts
Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Heartland FC are understood to be engrossed in huge debts to the tune of over N130m, Tidesports source reports.
The amount represents a balance of Imo State Governor, RochasOkorocha’s approvals for the club for the outgoing 2018/2019 NPFL abridged season, but which is yet to be made available to Heartland management.
It was further revealed that with hope the balance sum would be released to the club, Heartland officials went about borrowing money to conduct their preseason buildup as well as recruitment of players.
“Today is my saddest moment in the game,” Executive Chairman of Heartland FC, Chief Chibuzor Etuemena “Bash” stated when contacted by newsmen after visiting Abia Warriors defeated Heartland 4-2 in an NPFL matchday-19 clash at Okigwe Township Stadium.
“I could not imagine Heartland losing to Abia Warriors 4-2. It is too painful, so sad, in fact, I’m heart broken.
“I tried to find sleep but it refused to come. But how can I sleep? Nobody seems to understand what I’m passing through.
“It’s like we are pursuing a poisonous animal like snake with empty hands.
“Yes, we are engrossed in huge debts, I’m being inundated with demands for the settlement of debts we owe to clubs as regards players recruitment.
“This is because balance of the money approved for us this season has not been released to us.
“Yes, N130m, that’s the outstanding balance of amount we are expecting from the government for this season. But it has not been made available.
“But we had to go ahead with the season. I had to borrow to keep things moving, hoping the balance of the money would be released,” he said.
Heartland are in a fierce race against relegation but the 4-2 defeat to Abia Warriors in a matchday-19 clash last Sunday has further dragged the club deeper into relegation worries.
And Chief Etuemena, who is also called ‘Digital Chairman’ lamented bitterly on the possible consequences of the unreleased funds on the club.
“That’s where the problem is. With the way things are going, how will I settle our debts?,” he moaned.
The National Division One and Division Two Volleyball Leagues organised by the Volleyball Federation of Nigeria and sponsored by Alex Otti has kicked off in Umuahia, Abia State.
The Championship features 34 teams from across the country, with about 22 States already participating in activities lined up for the ten-day event.
Addressing journalists at the Umuahia Stadium, the Referee Coach for the tournament and Vice Chairman Nigerian Volleyball Referees Association, Mohamed Mohamed, assured of fair officiating in the competition and advised the athletes to be more disciplined in the field of play, saying that volleyball is known to be a disciplined sport.
He also commended Governor Alex Otti for sponsoring the tournament for the second time.
“Last year, we were here, and we so appreciate the Abia State Government for sponsoring such a competition. The same thing happened this year too, we are here again.
The Coordinator, Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, has stated that the All Women 10km Race aims to connect through their communities, while creating empowerment opportunities.
The 10th edition with the theme: “One Run, a thousand Opportunities,” will come up on the November 8th, 2025, with the start point at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere and end at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan.
This year’s edition of the Lagos Women Run marks a significant milestone, celebrating the program’s journey, the vibrant city of Lagos, and the incredible women who have been part of it since its inception.
It will focus more on empowering women, acknowledging their dedication, and ensuring the program’s sustainability by providing participants with opportunities they deserve.
Popoola added that the race has achieved remarkable success in making women happy and uncovering talents, serving as a platform for participants to train for bigger road races, which fosters a strong sense of community, allowing women of all ages to connect, network, and celebrate themselves.
The event’s non-discriminatory nature makes it a level playing ground, open to everyone regardless of social status, by promoting general well-being among women.
The Franco-Malian tactician made the bold declaration whilst speaking to Nigerian legend Segun Odegbami on 90 Minutes with Mathematical on Eagle7FM on Saturday, expressing gratitude to fans for their support.
“Thanks to the fans. Thanks to Nigeria. I am so happy that I have brought back the smiles on their faces,” Chelle said.
“We beat Benin because the fans pushed the players. I ask them this: They have to do this (for the playoffs)… I plan to do my best for Nigeria, and Inshallah, we will go to the FIFA World Cup.”
Chelle, who took charge of a struggling Nigerian side in January, has transformed the team’s fortunes after inheriting a squad on the brink of disaster. Nigeria were winless in their first four qualifiers, with three draws and one defeat threatening to derail another World Cup dream.
Under his leadership, the Super Eagles rallied to win four and draw two of their last six games, collecting 14 points from a possible 18. The highlight came earlier this month in Uyo, where Nigeria swept past Benin Republic 4-0 in a statement victory that reignited national belief.
However, the revival was not enough to seal automatic qualification. Nigeria finished among the four best runners-up in Africa and must now navigate a continental playoff in November for a spot in next March’s intercontinental tie.
The first challenge is a one-legged showdown with Gabon, with Cameroon or DR Congo potentially waiting beyond.
Chelle’s message to his players was uncompromising, saying, “Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is not a war, but it is like a war… My players need to have a warrior state of mind… They have to be like sharks.”