Dike calls for concerted efforts to revive Heartland FC
Imo State FA Chairman, Barrister Ifeanyi Dike, has called on football stakeholders to unite and chart a path forward for Heartland FC, insisting that collective effort is key to restoring
Imo State FA Chairman, Barrister Ifeanyi Dike, has called on football stakeholders to unite and chart a path forward for Heartland FC, insisting that collective effort is key to restoring the club’s lost glory.
Speaking after the 2026 Imo FA Cup won by Campos FA in the men’s category and Heartland Queens in the women’s, Dike stressed that this was not the time for blame, but for collaboration.
“One should not expect someone like me to be happy. I know Imo people are not happy because Heartland FC is our darling club,” he said.
“It is a club that metamorphosed from Trojan to Spartans and then to Iwuanyanwu Nationale before its present name, Heartland FC.”
Reflecting on the club’s recent struggles, including failure to qualify for the President’s Federation Cup, Dike maintained that the solution lies in unity and structural reform.
“One should not expect us to be happy or to pretend when we are not getting it right. It is imperative for everybody to come together and fashion out the way forward. Our prayers go to God. I believe the team can get it right.
“Heartland FC is a traditional team and I believe with time, if we get back to the drawing board and get the structure the way it should be, we will come back again.”
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Dike also acknowledged the role of the media in supporting football development in the state.
“I want to appreciate the gentlemen of the press. The support has been very massive.”
Addressing broader challenges, he highlighted finance and trust as key issues previously confronting the system, while noting significant progress under his leadership.
“Finances have been a major problem we have been facing before now. It is not peculiar to Imo State alone. We have been able to surmount the challenge of finance.
“Another issue we had before now is the issue of trust and the belief that the FA Cup trophy is meant for some particular clubs. When I came on board, things changed from how it used to be where we had five or six teams participating.”
He pointed to the steady growth in participation as evidence of renewed confidence.
“We had 10 teams in my first year and 18 in my second year. The just concluded one had 33 teams in attendance.
“With what we had this year, I bet it with you that we shall have over 60 teams taking part in the next edition.”
