Former NPFL champions Heartland FC of Owerri have been relegated to the Nigeria National League for the third time in their history after succumbing to a 4-1 humiliating defeat against Remo Stars during an NPFL match-day 36 encounter in Ikenne on Wednesday.
They’ve been relegated to the second-tier league just one season after their promotion to the top-flight Football League.
Heartland FC’s dismal performance in the NPFL concluded with a 19th-position finish, earning only 35 points. Even before their match with title-chasing Remo Stars, Heartland FC desperately needed a victory to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive. However, Remo Stars quickly dashed their hopes by scoring four goals through Stanley Joseph, Franck Mawuena, and Jide Fatokun, piling more misery on the visiting team.
Heartland FC struggled for the most part of the season, which saw them embroiled in a managerial crisis. The present coach of Sunshine Stars, Kennedy Boboye took charge of the team for six games in November 2023, before the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, called for the immediate reinstatement of their former coach Christian Obi.
They have only been able to manage eight wins this season, playing 11 draws as well as 17 losses.
Heartland were first relegated in 2016 while their second doom was in the 2021/22 season.
They were established in 1985 as Spartans FC before being renamed Iwuanyanwu Nationale from 1985 to 2006, Heartland enjoyed their reign as champions for four conservative NPFL seasons from 1987 to 1990.
They have also been in the finals of the 1988 African Cup of Champions Clubs, and the 2009 CAF Champions League.
