Breaking News: Heartland FC Returns to Owerri After Terrifying Road Accident

Heartland FC, the former Premier League club, is making its way back to Owerri, the capital of Imo State, after a harrowing road accident near Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State. The team had been en route to a scheduled match with Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/SELECT when the incident occurred.

According to a statement released by the club on Friday, no fatalities were reported in the accident, which took place in Umunna, near Okigwe in Imo State. However, several players and officials sustained injuries of varying degrees and were provided with first aid at a nearby facility before continuing to receive medical care in Owerri.

Club spokesperson Tunde Liadi confirmed the situation, saying, “We are currently on our way back to Owerri. Three buses were involved in our trip, and unfortunately, one of them was involved in an accident. Thankfully, we managed to transport everyone safely to Owerri using the other two buses.”

Liadi further explained, “Although there were no casualties, a number of players and officials were injured and have been taken to the hospital for treatment. The team vehicle was heavily damaged after colliding with a passenger vehicle while trying to avoid oncoming traffic.”

Heartland FC, a club with a rich history in Nigerian football, has had its share of challenges recently. The team was relegated to the Nigerian National League (NNL) after just one season back in the top flight. In a bid to restore the club to its former glory, former international coach and FIFA U-17 World Cup winner Emmanuel Amuneke has been appointed as the new head coach ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The club assured fans that a full report on the accident would be released as soon as more information becomes available. Meanwhile, the team’s focus is on ensuring the safety and well-being of all players and staff as they return home to Owerri.