Heartland_F.C

Heartland F.C.

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. 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. 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.

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